Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site 

Near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

By Tracy J.B. Yager and L. Rick Arnold

Water-Resources Investigations Report 03–4209

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Prepared in cooperation with the

METRO WASTEWATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT
U.S. Department of the Interior

Gale A. Norton, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Charles G. Groat, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2003

For sale by U.S. Geological Survey, Information Services

Box 25286, Denver Federal Center

Denver, CO 80225

For more information about the USGS and its products:

Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS

World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/

Any use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply 

endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners 

to reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.
Contents iii

Abstract. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Purpose and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Description of Study Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Topographic Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Land Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Climate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Hydrogeology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Geology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Lithology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Hydrology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Bedrock Aquifer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Location and Extent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Hydrologic Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Shallow Aquifers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Aquifer Interaction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

References Cited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Appendixes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

I. Methods of Data Collection and Construction of Maps and Hydrogeologic Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

II. Hydrogeologic Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Plates

(In pocket at back of report)

1–2. Maps showing:

1. Base structure, outcrop, and subcrop of the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit 

with inset showing hydrogeologic section, near Deer Trail, Colorado

2. Top structure, outcrop, and subcrop of the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic 

unit with inset showing hydrogeologic section, near Deer Trail, Colorado

3. Section D-D’ showing correlation of geophysical logs used to define the structure of the 

Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit, near Deer Trail, Colorado 

Figures

1–3. Maps showing:

1. Location of mapped areas of figure 2 and plates 1 and 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

2. Study area and U.S. Geological Survey monitoring sites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

3. Location of Metro Wastewater Reclamation District properties near Deer Trail, 

Colorado, (1999 property boundaries) and U.S. Geological Survey expanded monitoring

program sites (1999) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

4–5. Diagrams showing:

4. The Denver Basin aquifer system and generalized geologic sections A-A’ and B-B’ through 

the Denver Basin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

5. Geologic and hydrologic characteristics of the Denver Basin aquifers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6–7. Maps showing:

6. Drainage basins in the study area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

7. Water-table contours for the study area, October 3–4, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
iv 

8–13. Graphs showing:

8. Diurnal fluctuations in water level at well D2 during: (A) summer and (B) winter, 1996. . . . . . . . . 20

9. Diurnal fluctuations in water level at well D23 during: (A) summer and (B) winter, 1996. . . . . . . . 21

10. Continuous-recorder water levels, water temperature, and precipitation at well D2 

during summer and fall, 1997. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

11. Continuous-recorder water levels and precipitation at well D23 during summer and 

fall, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

12. Continuous-recorder water temperature and specific conductance at well D6 and 

precipitation at well D2 during 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

13. Comparison of sample temperature with calculated recharge temperature for selected 

wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, based on 1998 dissolved-gas data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

14. Diagram of ground-water movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

15. Map showing locations of hydrogeologic sections E-E’, F-F’, G-G’, and H-H’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

16. Diagrams showing hydrogeologic sections E-E’, F-F’, G-G’, and H-H’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Tables

1. U.S. Geological Survey ground-water monitoring sites near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99 . . . . . . . . .7

2. Ground-water recharge information indicated by dissolved-gas data collected at selected 

wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3. Ground-water recharge information indicated by chlorofluorocarbon data collected 

at selected wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Appendixes

I. Methods of data collection and construction of maps and hydrogeologic sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Geologic data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Hydrologic data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Quality-assurance methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Maps and hydrogeologic sections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

II. Hydrogeologic data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Appendix Figures

II.1–II.6. Graphs showing: 

II.1. Monthly water levels for wells along Muddy Creek and precipitation at well D23 

 near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

II.2. Monthly water levels for wells along Cottonwood Creek and precipitation at well D2 

 near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

II.3. Monthly water levels for deeper wells and precipitation at well D2 near Deer Trail, 

 Colorado, 1993–98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

II.4. Continuous water-level, ground-water-temperature, and precipitation data for well D2 

near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1995–98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

II.5. Continuous water-level, ground-water-temperature, and precipitation data for well D23 

near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1995–98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

II.6. Continuous-recorder specific-conductance and ground-water-temperature data for 

 well D6 and precipitation for well D2 near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1996–98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

II.7. Matrix listing of data used to map the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit near 

Deer Trail, Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
 v

Appendix Tables

II.1. Information for U.S. Geological Survey monitoring wells near Deer Trail, 

 Colorado, 1993–98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

II2. Lithologic descriptions for U.S. Geological Survey monitoring wells near Deer Trail, 

 Colorado, 1993–98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

II.3. Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells near Deer Trail, 

Colorado, 1993–98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

II.4. Textural data for core samples collected from D31 and D33 boreholes during drilling 

 near Deer Trail, Colorado, May 1995. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

II.5. Dissolved-gas data and calculated information for selected monitoring wells near 

 Deer Trail, Colorado, November 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

II.6. Chlorofluorocarbon data and calculated information for selected monitoring wells near 

 Deer Trail, Colorado, November 1998. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

CONVERSION FACTORS, VERTICAL DATUM, AND ABBREVIATIONS

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows:

°F = (1.8 × °C) + 32

Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) may be converted to degrees Celsius (°C) as follows:

°C= (°F – 32) / 1.8

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 

(NGVD 29); horizontal coordinate information is referenced to North American Datum of 

1927 (NAD 27) except as noted.

Multiply By To obtain

foot 0.3048 meter

gallon 3.785 liter

inch 2.54 centimeter

mile 1.609 kilometer

square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer
Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site Near 

Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

By Tracy J.B. Yager and L. Rick Arnold

Abstract

 This report presents hydrogeology data and interpretations 

resulting from two studies related to biosolids applications at 

the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District property near Deer 

Trail, Colorado, done by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District: (1) a 

1993–99 study of hydrology and water quality for the Metro 

Wastewater Reclamation District central property and (2) a 

1999 study of regional bedrock-aquifer structure and local 

ground-water recharge. Biosolids were applied as a fertilizer 

during late 1993 through 1999. The 1993 Metro Wastewater 

Reclamation District property boundary constitutes the study 

area, but hydrogeologic structure maps for a much larger area 

are included in the report. The study area is located on the eastern margin of the Denver Basin, a bowl-shaped sequence of 

sedimentary rocks. The uppermost bedrock formations in the 

vicinity of the study area consist of the Pierre Shale, the Fox 

Hills Sandstone, and the Laramie Formation, parts of which 

comprise the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit and 

thus, where saturated, the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer. In the 

vicinity of the study area, the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit dips gently to the northwest, crops out, and is partially eroded. The Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer is either absent or 

not fully saturated within the Metro Wastewater Reclamation 

District properties, although this aquifer is the principal aquifer 

used for domestic supply in the vicinity of the study area. Yield 

was small from two deep monitoring wells in the Laramie-Fox 

Hills aquifer within the study area. Depth to water in these wells 

was about 110 and 150 feet below land surface, and monthly 

water levels fluctuated 0.5 foot or less. Alluvial aquifers also are 

present in the unconsolidated sand and loess deposits in the valleys of the study area. Interactions of the deeper parts of the 

Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer with shallow ground water in the 

study area include a general close hydraulic connection 

between alluvial and bedrock aquifers, recharge of the Cottonwood Creek and much of the Muddy Creek alluvial aquifers by 

the bedrock aquifer, and possible recharge of the bedrock aquifer by a Rattlesnake Creek tributary. Some areas of shallow 

ground water were recharged by infiltration from rain or ponds, 

but other areas likely were recharged by other ground water. 

Data for shallow ground water indicate that ground-water 

recharge takes less than a day at some sites to about 40 years at 

another site. Depth to shallow ground water in the study area 

ranged from about 2 feet to about 37 feet below land surface. 

Shallow ground-water levels likely were affected by evapotranspiration. Ground water is present in shallow parts of the 

bedrock aquifer or in alluvial aquifers in four drainage basins: 

Badger Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Muddy Creek, and Rattlesnake Creek. These drainage basins generally contained only 

ephemeral streams, which flow only after intense rain. 

Introduction

 The Metro Wastewater Reclamation District (MWRD) 

treats municipal sewage from the Denver area at their plant in 

Denver, Colo. (fig. 1). Biosolids are solid organic matter recovered from a sewage-treatment process that meet State and Federal regulatory criteria for a beneficial use such as soil amendment or fertilizer (Colorado Department of Public Health and 

Environment, 1998). In 1993, the MWRD acquired property 

(about 15 square miles; fig. 2) on the eastern plains of Colorado 

in Arapahoe and Elbert Counties east of Deer Trail, Colo. 

(fig. 1). Beginning in late 1993, MWRD biosolids were trucked 

from Denver about 75 miles east to MWRD property near Deer 

Trail. The MWRD applied biosolids as an agricultural fertilizer 

to nonirrigated farm land on their property. In 1995, the MWRD 

traded some of their property (land that included Muddy Creek 

in Elbert County); the resulting part of the original MWRD 

property became known as MWRD’s central property (fig. 3). 

In 1995, the MWRD also acquired additional property in the 

same area: the MWRD’s north property (about 14.5 square 

miles) and the MWRD’s south property (about 50 square miles) 

(fig. 3). The MWRD property near Deer Trail is farmed; besides 

biosolids, other fertilizers and pesticides could have been 

applied to the property in the past. These applications are called 

anthropogenic applications because materials of a chemical 

nature were added to the site by humans.

Biosolids applications can affect soil and water quality. 

When biosolids are applied to agricultural soil, soil quality 

either can be improved by biosolids applications through 

increased nutrients and organic matter or degraded through the 

accumulation of excessive nutrients or trace elements (Berti and 
2 Hydrology of a Biosolids-Application Site Near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

EL PASO CO

LINCOLN CO

ARAPAHOE CO

ADAMS CO

DENVER CO

WELD CO

LARIMER CO

MORGAN CO

LOGAN CO

WASHINGTON CO

DENVER

COLORADO

SPRINGS

LONGMONT

CASTLE

ROCK

DEER

TRAIL

LIMON

GREELEY

FORT

MORGAN

LOVELAND

ELBERT CO

DOUGLAS CO

JEFFERSON CO

BOULDER CO

TELLER CO

36

24

71

70

70

25

25

Area of plates 1 

and 2

105°

40°

39°

104°

0

0

10

10 20

20 30 40 MILES

30 40 KILOMETERS

SOUTH

PLATTE R DENVER

Study

area

COLORADO 

GUNNISON RIVER

ARKANSAS

COLORAD O RIVER

South

Platte

River

South

Platte

River

Kiowa

Muddy

Beaver

Big

Sandy

Creek

Badger

Creek

Creek

Creek

Creek

RIVER

76

ROCKY MOUNTAINS

Area of figure 2

Metro Wastewater

Reclamation District

property in 1999

Figure 1. Location of mapped areas of figure 2 and plates 1 and 2.
Introduction 3

0 1 2 MILES

0 1 2 KILOMETERS

39°33'

39°34'30"

39°36'

39°37'30"

103°55'30" 103°54' 103°52'30" 103°51'

Cottonwood Creek

5,400

5,400

5,400

5,200

5,200

5,300

5,200

5,200

5,200

5,200

5,100

5,100

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,400

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,200

5,100

5,300

5,400

5,200

5,400

5,400

5,100

5,200

5,200

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,200

5,100

5,200

5,300

Contour elevations generated from DEM data

Datum is NGVD of 1929

ARAPAHOE

ELBERT

D25

D24 D9

D26

D28

D14

D11a

D17

D19

D22

D20

D21

D16

D18

D23

D15

D11 D29

D1

D12

D31

D30

D30

D5

D32

D10

D13

D7

D27

D33

D2

D6

D3

D4

D8

7 8 9 10 11

18 17 16 15 14

19 20 21 22 23

30 29 28 27 26

31 32 33 34 35

6

5

4 32

7 8 9 10 11

18 17 16 15 14

EXPLANATION

Study area

Property-ownership boundary

 after 1995

Monitoring wells

Rattlesnake

Muddy Creek

5,300

Figure 2. Study area and U.S. Geological Survey monitoring sites. (Contour interval is 20 feet. Base from 

Digital Elevation Maps.)
4 Hydrology of a Biosolids-Application Site Near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

Creek

D29

DTX1

3 4 MILES

4 KILOMETERS

2

2 3

1

1

0

0

EXPLANATION

Metro Wastewater Reclamation District 

 property

USGS alluvial monitoring well

USGS bedrock monitoring well Soil-sampling area

Streambed-sediment-

 sampling area

DENVER

Study

area

COLORADO 

ELBERT COUNTY Muddy

Creek

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnake

Creek

39°

30'

COTTONWOOD

DTX6

D6

D29

D13

D11a

D17

LINCOLN COUNTY

Beaver

Beaver

Creek

Creek

Middlemist

DTX4

DTX5

DTX3

ADAMS COUNTY

ARAPAHOE COUNTY

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Badger Creek

Creek

Creek

36

103°52'30" 103°45' 103°42'

VALLEY

DTX2

DTX1

Route 34

Muddy

Creek

39°

37'

30"

39°

44'

45"

DTX7

DTX8

DTX9

DTX10

D25 D30

Cottonwood

70

To

Deer Trail

South property

Central

 property

North

 property

Figure 3. Location of Metro Wastewater Reclamation District properties near Deer Trail, Colorado, 

(1999 property boundaries) and U.S. Geological Survey expanded monitoring program sites (1999). 

(Base from U.S. Geological Survey, 1976; U.S. Geological Survey, 1980a.)
Introduction 5

Jacobs, 1998). Applications of pesticides or fertilizer (including 

biosolids) can affect the quality of water in the unsaturated 

zone, ponds or streams, and alluvial and bedrock aquifers 

(Freeze and Cherry, 1979). 

Water quality at a biosolids-application site should not be 

interpreted as representing effects from biosolids just because 

biosolids are present at that site. Many of the chemical constituents used as indicators of biosolids contamination (such as 

trace elements) also can be contributed by geologic materials 

(Drever, 1988). Other water-quality constituents (such as nutrients and organic matter) attributed to biosolids also can be contributed by other farming practices (Freeze and Cherry, 1979) or 

by livestock grazed on the property. Water quality is not just the 

result of chemicals added to the land surface but also is affected 

by dissolution, precipitation, reaction, and transport of natural 

and anthropogenic chemical constituents along the surface and 

in the subsurface, depending on the flow path of the water. 

Hydrology (the origin, quantity, transport rate, and flow path of 

the water) is determined by climate and geology. Climate determines the timing, form, and amount of precipitation. The geology of an area, combined with climatic features, produces the 

landforms, which affect the occurrence and flow rate of surface 

water. The geology of an area also determines the porosity and 

permeability of the subsurface, which affect the flow of ground 

water. In addition, the chemical constituents of the geologic 

materials interact in the presence of water through a variety of 

natural processes. Therefore, the chemistry of water in the 

unsaturated zone, ponds, streams, and aquifers at a biosolidsapplication site will be determined by complicated geochemical 

reactions affected by geology, hydrology, microbiology, land 

use, and anthropogenic applications. Thus, an interpretation of 

the contribution of biosolids to water quality requires an understanding of the geology, hydrology, and land-use activities of 

the site. 

Previous studies provide some information about the geology and hydrology of the MWRD property near Deer Trail, 

Colo. Sharps (1980) includes the area in his geologic map. 

Major and others (1983), Robson (1983, 1987), and Robson and 

Banta (1987, 1995) include the area in their reports. Little 

detailed information specifically for the MWRD property is 

available, however.

In mid-1993, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the MWRD began monitoring hydrology and water 

quality on the MWRD property near Deer Trail. This study was 

done to evaluate the combined effects of biosolids applications, 

other land uses, and natural processes on the quality of shallow 

ground water and water of the unsaturated zone. The study area 

consisted of the 1993 MWRD property (fig. 2). Hydrology was 

monitored from 1993 through 1998 by measuring ground-water 

levels and precipitation. Water quality was monitored from 

1993 through 1998 by sampling for inorganic and bacteria constituents, with some additional sampling in 1999. In 1999, the 

USGS began an expanded monitoring program (1999–2004), in 

cooperation with the MWRD and the North Kiowa Bijou 

Groundwater Management District, that built on the 1993–99 

USGS monitoring program but included all three MWRD properties (fig. 3) and expanded monitoring components. The objectives of the expanded monitoring program were (1) to evaluate 

the combined effects of biosolids applications, other land uses, 

and natural processes on soils, crops, streambed sediments, 

alluvial aquifers, and the bedrock aquifer by comparing chemical data to regulatory levels, to data from an unaffected (control) site, or to earlier concentrations from the same site 

(trends); (2) to investigate the hydrology of the bedrock aquifer 

in the vicinity of the MWRD properties; and (3) to monitor 

biosolids for metals and radioactivity and to compare the 

concentrations with regulatory levels. As part of the expanded 

monitoring program, the geology of the area was evaluated to 

identify aquifer materials, and hydrogeologic structure maps 

were prepared.

Purpose and Scope

 The purpose of this report is to present all hydrogeologic 

data and interpretations from the first USGS monitoring program near Deer Trail, Colo. (1993–99), and hydrogeologic 

structure maps and some interpretations from the bedrock 

ground-water monitoring component of the USGS expanded 

monitoring program near Deer Trail (1999). The report also 

summarizes the geologic history and the geologic and hydrologic setting of the area to provide a general understanding of 

the geology and hydrology and how they interact in this area. 

The 1993 MWRD property boundaries near Deer Trail are hereinafter referred to as the “study area” (fig. 2); however, the 

hydrogeologic structure maps encompass an area that contains 

the study area (fig. 2) and all three MWRD properties (fig. 3), 

and the summary of geologic history and geologic and hydrologic setting pertains to the entire area shown in figure 1. The 

report includes geologic data (lithologic descriptions and core 

textural analyses) and hydrologic data (depth to ground water 

and climate data), as well as an interpretive discussion of hydrogeology for the study area. The report does not include waterquality data and interpretations, which will be provided in a 

separate report.

 The report has all data and supplemental information at 

the back of the report in appendixes. Appendix I describes the 

methods of data collection and construction of maps and hydrogeologic sections. Appendix II contains hydrogeologic data 

including lithologic descriptions, monitoring-well information, 

measurements of monthly water levels for the monitoring 

wells, continuous-recorder data for ground-water levels and 

precipitation at two sites, continuous-recorder data for specific 

conductance and water temperature at one ground-water site, 

and data used to make the structure maps.

Acknowledgments

 The authors thank the MWRD and the Keen and Turecek 

families for allowing access to the USGS instrument and well 

installations on their property. The authors thank John Price for 

providing to the USGS copies of lithologic logs from titanium 
6 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

exploration on his property. The authors thank Bob Raynolds of 

the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for sharing his geologic insights. Also, the authors thank volunteer Ingrid 

Ekstrom, who assisted in the construction of the structure maps. 

Finally, the authors thank the following students without whom 

we could not have completed this study: Colleen Green, Orren 

Doss, Heather Handran, Heather Sproule Eppler, Ben Glass, 

and Jaime Giesen.

Description of Study Area

 The study area is located on Colorado’s eastern plains, 

about 75 miles east of Denver and about 10 miles east of Deer 

Trail (fig. 1). Soils in the study area generally are sandy or 

loamy on flood plains and stream terraces, clayey to loamy on 

gently sloping to rolling uplands, and sandy and shaley on 

steeper uplands (Larsen and others, 1966; Larsen and Brown, 

1971). Ground water is obtained from alluvial and bedrock 

aquifers, discussed in a later section of this report. The geology 

of the study area will be discussed in detail in a later section of 

this report. The study area generally was vegetated during 1993 

through 1999 except where the land surface was rock or where 

farm fields were freshly tilled. Crops and prairie vegetation 

dominated the landscape. Tree canopy was sparse and consisted 

of primarily deciduous varieties like cottonwood trees located 

along the southern parts of Muddy Creek and Cottonwood 

Creek.

Topographic Features

Topographic features of the study area include flood 

plains, valleys with incised channels, rounded hills, and cliffs. 

Wide, flat flood plains are associated with Muddy Creek on the 

west side of the study area. Valleys with incised channels are 

present throughout the study area, but valleys on the east side 

are shorter, steeper, and more incised than on the west side of 

the study area. Rounded hills are characteristic of the northern 

part of a long, north-south-trending ridge of the study area, but 

cliffs are more characteristic of this ridge in the southern part. 

Topographic contours of the study area are shown in figure 2. 

Land Use

Land use in the study area historically was rangeland, 

cropland, and pasture (U.S. Geological Survey, 1980b). Land 

use in the study area during 1993 through 1999 mostly was 

cropland. Four abandoned homesteads were present (Metro 

Wastewater Reclamation District, 1993, written commun. 

[map]), along with associated outbuildings, animal pens, and 

shallow windmill-pumped wells that perhaps were used for 

watering livestock. No one lived in the study area during 1993 

through 1999, but people did live just across the road to the west 

from monitoring well D13 (fig. 2). Some petroleum exploration 

was done in the vicinity (Drew and others, 1979), but no oil or 

gas production took place within the study area during 1993 

through 1999. The study area in 1993–99 primarily was farmed 

with some grazing. Biosolids were applied as a fertilizer. Farm 

land in the study area was not irrigated; the primary crop was 

wheat (Stevens and others, 2003). Cattle and sheep were the 

primary domestic animals grazing this area. Wildlife in the 

study area included pronghorn, deer, coyotes, herons, hawks, 

owls, rodents, and turtles.

Climate

 The climate in the study area is semiarid. Less than 

20 inches of precipitation usually is received each year. Most of 

the precipitation is received as rainfall in May or June and late 

summer (usually July–August). Precipitation data for the study 

area during 1996–98 are included in Appendix II. Air temperatures ranged from about 0 degrees Fahrenheit October through 

April to about 105 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August. The 

study area often is windy; prevailing winds were from the 

north during winter and from the west in summer. Average 

annual pan evaporation in the study area for 1946–55 was about 

70 inches (Robson and Banta, 1995, fig. 10).

Data Collection 

Various approaches were used for the study. To characterize geology, published reports were reviewed, geophysical logs 

from oil and gas exploration in the vicinity of the study area 

were reviewed and correlated, lithologic descriptions from 

other commercial exploration in the vicinity of the study area 

were reviewed, boreholes were drilled and drill cuttings and 

cores were examined, and surficial geology was examined in 

the field. To characterize hydrology, published reports were 

reviewed, monitoring wells were installed, ground-water levels 

were measured, rain gages and temperature sensors were 

installed, and dissolved-gas and chlorofluorocarbon samples 

were collected and analyzed in 1998. To provide flood-crest 

data, three crest-stage gages were installed in 1994; all three 

crest-stage gages were dislodged by floodwaters during the first 

summer of operation, and no data were collected. 

USGS personnel collected data from numerous sources 

and locations. Geologic data were collected from throughout 

the area of plates 1 and 2 shown in figure 1. Most hydrologic 

data were collected from monitoring-well sites, which are listed 

in table 1 and shown in figure 2. All methods of data collection 

are discussed in Appendix I.

The USGS installed 30 shallow monitoring wells and 3 

deep wells in the study area. The shallow wells were installed 

between 1993 and 1995 in the valleys for data collection to 

evaluate the alluvial aquifers or shallow parts of the bedrock 

aquifer. Alluvial aquifers are not continuous throughout the 

study area but are present near stream channels and in paleochannels. Wells were located near MWRD property boundaries 
Data Collection 7

Table 1. U.S. Geological Survey ground-water monitoring sites near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99.

[G, ground-water hydrology; W, water quality; A, shallow-deep aquifer interactions; F, water-quality flow-path information; P, water quality at property boundary; 

S, interactions between surface and ground water; V, aquifer spatial variability; Shallow well could be completed in bedrock aquifer or alluvial aquifer; U, USGSinstalled monitoring well; D, Continuous-recorder instrumentation; E, pre-existing well with windmill or other pump; MWRD, Metro Wastewater Reclamation 

District (central property); R, owned by Metro Wastewater Reclamation District until late 1995, then owned by private resident]

Site 

(fig. 2)

Site 

type

Monitoring 

purpose Site type

Site 

installation

Topographic 

setting

Drainage 

basin

(fig. 6)

Property 

owner County Location3

D1 G F, V Shallow 

well

U Upland 

draw

Cottonwood 

Creek

MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S16 NE,SE

D2 G, W F, V Shallow 

well

U, D Flood 

plain

Cottonwood 

Creek

MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S15 SE,SW

D3 G, W F, P, V Shallow 

well1

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S17 NW,NW

D4 G, W F, V Shallow 

well1

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S17 SE,SE

D5 G, W F, S, V Shallow 

well

U Flood 

plain

Cottonwood 

Creek

MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S22 SE,NW

D6 G, W F, P, V Alluvial 

well

U, D Flood 

plain

Cottonwood 

Creek

MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S22 NE,NE

D7 G, W F, V Shallow 

well2

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S20 NW,SE

D8 G, W F, V Shallow 

well2

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S17 SE,SW

D9 G, W F, P, V Bedrock 

well

U Upland 

draw

Badger Creek MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S16 NW,NE

D10 G, W F, V Shallow 

well

U Stream 

channel

Cottonwood 

Creek

MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S22 NW,SE

D11 G F, V Shallow 

well

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S16 SE,SW

D11a G, W A, F, V Bedrock 

well

U Hilltop Muddy Creek MWRD Arapahoe T6S R58W S5 NE,NW

D12 G, W F, V Shallow 

well1

E Flood 

plain

Cottonwood 

Creek

MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S15 SE,NW

D13 G, W F, P, V Shallow 

well

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S32 NW,NW

D14 G, W F, V Shallow 

well

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S32 SW,NE

D15 G, W F, P, S, V Shallow 

well2

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek R Elbert T6S R58W S5 NW,NW

D16 G, W F, S, V Shallow 

well

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek R Elbert T6S R58W S6 SE,SE

D17 G, W F, V Alluvial 

well

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek MWRD Elbert T6S R58W S5 SE,NW

D18 G F, P, V Shallow 

well

U Stream 

channel

Muddy Creek R Elbert T6S R58W S6 SW,NE

D19 G, W F, V Shallow 

well1

U Upland 

draw

Muddy Creek MWRD Elbert T6S R58W S5 NW,SE
8 Hydrology of a Biosolids-Application Site Near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

D20 G, W F, V Shallow 

well

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek R Elbert T6S R58W S8 NW,NW

D21 G, W F, P, V Shallow 

well

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek R Elbert T6S R58W S8 SW,SW

D22 G, W F, P, V Shallow 

well1

U Flood 

plain

Rattlesnake 

Creek

MWRD Elbert T6S R58W S3 SW,SE

D23 G, W F, S, V Shallow 

well2

U, D Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek R Elbert T6S R58W S6 NE,NE

D24 G, W A, F, S, V Shallow 

well1

U Stream 

channel

Muddy Creek MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S17 NW,NE

D25 G, W F, P, S, V Alluvial 

well

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S17 SW,NW

D26 G, W F, V Shallow 

well1

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S16 SW,SW

D27 G, W F, V Shallow 

well2

U Flood 

plain

Muddy Creek MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S20 SW,NE

D28 G, W F, V Shallow 

well2

U Stream 

channel

Muddy Creek MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S20 SE,SE

D29 G, W A, F, V Bedrock 

well

U Hilltop Cottonwood 

Creek

MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S16 SW,SW

D30 G, W F, P, S, V Shallow 

well2

U Stream 

channel

Cottonwood 

Creek

MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S15 NE,SE

D31 G, W F, V Alluvial 

well

U Flood 

plain

Cottonwood 

Creek

MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S15 NW,SE

D32 G, W F, V Shallow 

well1

U Stream 

channel

Cottonwood 

Creek

MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S15 SE,NE

D33 G, W F, V Alluvial 

well

U Flood 

plain

Cottonwood 

Creek

MWRD Arapahoe T5S R58W S22 NW,SE

1

Probably bedrock-aquifer well.

2Probably alluvial-aquifer well.

3Location indicated by township, range, and section. The letters after the section number represent successive quarter subdivisions of 

the section.

Table 1. U.S. Geological Survey ground-water monitoring sites near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99.—Continued

[G, ground-water hydrology; W, water quality; A, shallow-deep aquifer interactions; F, water-quality flow-path information; P, water quality at property boundary; 

S, interactions between surface and ground water; V, aquifer spatial variability; Shallow well could be completed in bedrock aquifer or alluvial aquifer; U, USGSinstalled monitoring well; D, Continuous-recorder instrumentation; E, pre-existing well with windmill or other pump; MWRD, Metro Wastewater Reclamation 

District (central property); R, owned by Metro Wastewater Reclamation District until late 1995, then owned by private resident]

Site 

(fig. 2)

Site 

type

Monitoring 

purpose Site type

Site 

installation

Topographic 

setting

Drainage 

basin

(fig. 6)

Property 

owner County Location3
Hydrogeology 9

to evaluate the quality of ground water entering and leaving the 

study area. Wells were located upgradient from property boundaries to evaluate chemical and hydrologic variability within 

each alluvial aquifer. A windmill well installed before the study 

began was included in the monitoring network from 1993 

through 1998, although little was known about that well’s construction, well-screen location, or drilling methods. Two of the 

wells (D1 and D11) constructed in 1993 and one of the wells 

(D18) constructed in 1994 were dry, despite their locations in 

downgradient parts of stream valleys. These wells were 

checked for water throughout the study period but remained 

dry. Continuous recorders were installed at three shallow wells: 

at D2 and D23 to provide detailed information about hydrologic 

variability by recording water level, water temperature, and precipitation; and at D6 to provide detailed information about 

hydrologic and water-quality variability by recording water 

temperature and specific conductance. To provide groundwater recharge and flow-path information, dissolved-gas and 

chlorofluorocarbon (DG-CFC) samples were collected in 

November 1998 at 10 shallow wells in the study area that had 

chemical concentrations of concern or anomalous water quality 

compared to other nearby wells. Data for DG-CFC samples are 

listed in Appendix II. Two deep bedrock wells were installed by 

the USGS in 1997 to evaluate the sandstone part of the bedrock 

aquifer, interactions of the bedrock aquifer with the alluvial 

aquifers, and the subsurface geology. The bedrock-well locations were planned to coincide with shallow-well locations at 

D17 and D25, but drilling of the first bedrock well at the D17 

location showed no discernible sandstone part of the bedrock 

aquifer beneath the alluvial aquifer, so the bedrock wells (D11a 

and D29) were installed on the ridges that had known sandstone 

sequences. The monitoring wells were surveyed to a common 

vertical datum (North American Vertical Datum of 1988, converted to NGVD 29 for this report) to enable detailed comparison of water-level altitudes and direction of ground-water flow. 

Monitoring-well locations are included in table 1 and figure 2. 

Ground-water and well-construction data are provided in 

Appendix II.

 Access to the monitoring sites in the study area was challenging due to a lack of roads and the rough terrain. Muddy conditions, large sand dunes, and large desiccation cracks in the 

ground occasionally prevented access to monitoring sites. In 

addition, access to the study area was restricted by the property 

owners (both MWRD and local landowners) beginning in 1995. 

Generally, the USGS was not allowed access to the monitoring 

sites if the surrounding field was tilled or planted. These access 

restrictions resulted in limited data collection and temporal gaps 

in the data sets. 

Hydrogeology

The study area is located in the Colorado Piedmont Section 

of the Great Plains physiographic province in northeastern Colorado about 75 miles east of the Rocky Mountains. The study 

area overlies the Denver Basin, an asymmetrical, bowl-shaped 

geological structure (fig. 4) that covers approximately 

60,000 square miles in parts of Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, 

and Kansas and reaches a maximum depth of about 13,000 feet 

near the city of Denver (Rocky Mountain Association of 

Geologists, 1972). The basin is composed of Phanerozoic-age 

sedimentary bedrock layers overlying a basement of Precambrian-age igneous and metamorphic rock. Bedrock layers dip 

steeply into the basin along the western margin and dip gently 

inward along the eastern, northern, and southern margins of the 

basin. Near the study area, the Denver Basin is approximately 

9,000 feet deep (Robson and Banta, 1987, sheet 1), and bedrock 

layers dip gently to the northwest. Although many geologic formations, ranging in age from Pennsylvanian to Late Cretaceous, 

are present in the Denver Basin in the vicinity of the study area, 

only the uppermost geologic materials are likely to be used for 

water supply or affected by land use. Therefore, only the upper 

formations of the Denver Basin and overlying surficial units are 

considered in this report. The geologic and hydrologic characteristics of these formations are described in the following 

sections and summarized in figure 5. 

Geology

An overview of geology is included in this report to provide the reader with an understanding of how the study area is 

part of a larger geologic system, the Denver Basin. Therefore, 

this description includes the study area (fig. 2) as well as the 

surrounding area (figs. 1 and 3). Geology can be described in 

terms of history and lithology. Geologic history is the story of 

how the rocks were formed and changed over time. Lithology is 

the description of the rock characteristics in the geologic formations.

History

 This discussion of the history of formations present in the 

study area is based primarily on work published by Hunt 

(1954), Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists (1972), 

Trimble (1980), Tweto (1980), Robson and Banta (1987), and 

Sonnenberg and Bolyard (1997). The history of the geologic 

materials of interest in the study area begins with the deposition 

of the Pierre Shale during Late Cretaceous time (about 78 million years ago [Kiteley, 1978, sheet 1]). The Pierre Shale was 

formed by the accumulation of sediments in a shallow sea that 

stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean and from 

central Utah to the Mississippi River. The Fox Hills Sandstone 

was deposited as a sandy shoreline along the margin of this sea. 

Inland from the shoreline of the Fox Hills Sandstone were materials deposited in a lush delta plain that became the Laramie 

Formation. Decaying vegetation in poorly drained swamps 

within the delta plain became coals and lignitic shales in the 

Laramie Formation. 

Beginning about 68 million years ago, major uplift (part of 

the Laramide Orogeny) occurred in the area of the present-day 
10 Hydrology of a Biosolids-Application Site Near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

0 MILES

0 KILOMETERS

25

25

SCALE 1:2,500,000

EL PASO

DOUGLAS ELBERT

ARAPAHOE

ADAMS

BOULDER

WELD

LINCOLN

JEFFERSON

DENVER

105°

40°

104° 41°

39°

R G

South

Platte

River

Greeley

Limon

Castle Rock

Colorado Springs

Denver

●

★

Base modified from U.S. Geological

Survey, digital data, 1:2,000,000, 1972

Front range

ROCK MOUNTAINS

C OL O R L OA D O KY MA D

B'

A A'

B

0 10 20 30 MILES

0 10 20 30 KILOMETERS

VERTICAL SCALE GREATLY EXAGGERATED Modified from Robson, 1987

FEET

7,500

6,500

5,500

4,500

3,500

B

FEET

6,500

5,500

4,500

3,500

A A'

B'

Colorado Springs

DENVER

Greeley

Castle Rock Conglomerate

Dawson Arkose

SectionA-A'

SectionB-B'

Arapahoe Formation

Arapahoe

Laramie Formation

Laramie Formation

South Platte River

South Platte River

EXPLANATION

Denver Basin aquifer system

Dawson aquifer

Denver aquifer

Arapahoe aquifer

Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer

EXPLANATION

Denver Basin stratigraphic units

Dawson Arkose

Denver Formation

Arapahoe Formation

Laramie Formation

Fox Hills Sandstone

Pierre Shale

Fox Hills Sandstone

 Formation

Study area

Denver Formation

Pierre Shale

Denver Formation

Pierre Shale Fox Hills Sandstone

Figure 4. The Denver Basin aquifer system and generalized geologic sections A-A’ and B-B’ through the Denver Basin 

(modified from Robson and Banta, 1995, figs. 80–81).
Hydrogeology 11

Era

Cenozoic Mesozoic

System Series Physical characteristics Hydrologic characteristics Stratigraphic unit Hydrogeologic unit Unit thickness (feet) Saturated thickness (feet)

Quaternary Alluvium 0 – 125 0 – 100

0 – 400

0 0 

Unconsolidated gravel, sand,  silt, and clay

Shallow water-table aquifer. Very permeable. May yield as much as 3,000 gallons per minuteGenerally forms caprock on buttes. Well drained. Does not yield waterUppermost Denver Basin aquifer. Contains a water table in shallow units but generally confined at depth. Moderately permeable. May yield as much as 200 gallons per minuteConfined in central part. Contains a water table only near outcrops. Moderately permeable. May yield as much as 200 gallons per minuteConfined in central part. Contains a water table only near outcrops. Most permeable of Denver Basin aquifers. May yield as much as  700 gallons per minuteShale is impermeableLowermost Denver Basin aquifer. Confined in central part. Contains a water table only near outcrops. Moderaly permeable. May yield as much as 300 gallons per minute

Denver Basin aquifer system

Impermeable. Forms base of Denver Basin aquifer system

Alluvial

aquifer

none

Dawson

aquifer

0 – 350 Denver aquifer0 – 400 Arapahoe aquifer0 – 4000 – 300

Laramie

confining

unit

LaramieFox Hills

aquifer

Lower confining

unit

Fine to coarse arkosic sandstone and conglomerate. Exposed in cliffsSandstone and conglomeratic sandstone with interbedded siltstone and shale. Sandstone generally coarse, quartzose, arkosic, poorly to well consolidatedShale, silty claystone, and interbedded sandstone. Beds of lignite and carbonaceous  siltstone and shale common. Sandstone generally andesitic,  lenticular, moderately consolidatedSandstone, conglomeratic sandstone, and interbedded shale and siltstone. Sandstone generally quartzose, fine to coarse, poorly to well consolidatedUpper part shale, silty shale, siltstone, and interbedded  fine sandstone. Bituminous coal seamsLower part sandstone and shale. Sandstone fine to medium, friable, carbonaceousSandstone and siltstone interbedded with shale. Sandstone generally very fine to fine, poorly consolidatedShale, silty, dense, calcareous, fossiliferous

0 – 50

800 – 1,400600 – 1,100

400 – 700100 – 600100 – 200

5,000 – 7,000

Castle Rock

Conglomerate

Dawson

Arkose

Denver

Formation

Arapahoe

Formation

Laramie

Formation

Fox Hills

Sandstone

Pierre

Shale

Holocene

Pleistocene

Oligocene

Eocene

Paleocene

Upper

Cretaceous

Tertiary

Cretaceous

Figure 5. Geologic and hydrologic characteristics of the Denver Basin aquifers (modified from Robson and Banta, 1995, fig. 83).
12 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

Rocky Mountains. As the mountains were uplifted, the sea 

retreated, and the Precambrian-age rocks and overlying sedimentary rocks east of the mountains were warped downward to 

form the Denver Basin (fig. 4). The sediments of the Pierre 

Shale were successively covered by the sediments of the Fox 

Hills Sandstone and the Laramie Formation as the shoreline 

regressed and delta plain sediments were deposited over the 

former sea bottom. Intermittent rates of uplift and differing rates 

of basin subsidence during this time caused the sea to retreat 

and advance several times before finally retreating completely. 

This cycle of regression and transgression is recorded in the 

alternating layers of shale and sandstone in a transition zone 

near the top of the Pierre Shale. Other sediments derived from 

the erosion of the Rocky Mountains were deposited on top of 

the Laramie sediments and became the Arapahoe and Denver 

Formations and the Dawson Arkose (figs. 4 and 5).

During late Tertiary time, between 5 and 10 million years 

ago, continued uplift caused the environment to change from 

one of deposition to one of erosion, and many of the previously 

deposited sediments were incised by streams and removed by 

erosion. In the vicinity of the study area, the Dawson Arkose 

and Denver and Arapahoe Formations were completely 

removed by erosion, and only a little of the Laramie Formation, 

part of the Fox Hills Sandstone, and the Pierre Shale remain in 

the study area near the surface (fig. 4). 

Quaternary-age glaciation in the mountains followed and 

eroded the granite and other igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks of the Rocky Mountains west of the study area. 

As the glaciers melted, large loads of sediments derived from 

the eroding mountain rocks were carried and deposited in 

streams draining the east side of the Rocky Mountains. These 

sediments were carried onto the plains by streams, and the finegrained materials were blown by the wind and deposited in 

thick blankets of loess on top of the eroded Denver Basin formations. After deposition, these sediments were further eroded 

and redeposited by wind and streams. In the vicinity of the study 

area, the geologic materials that resulted from these glacial and 

postglacial periods are the Pleistocene- and Holocene-age 

Peoria Loess and alluvium (Sharps, 1980). Modern streams and 

winds continue to remove and redeposit loess and alluvium, as 

well as new sediments formed from the continuing erosion of 

the Laramie Formation, Fox Hills Sandstone, and Pierre Shale. 

The topography of the study area generally has been shaped by 

processes occurring within the past 2 million years. 

Lithology

Bedrock units present near the land surface in the vicinity 

of the study area are of Late Cretaceous age and consist of the 

Pierre Shale, Fox Hills Sandstone, and Laramie Formation 

(figs. 4 and 5). In the study area, sandstone layers are the units 

most resistant to erosion and commonly occur as ridges and hilltops. Shale layers weather easily to clay at the land surface and, 

therefore, commonly are not readily apparent in outcrop. In this 

report, “outcrop” (or in verb form, “crops out”) refers to the part 

of geologic formations that appears at land surface, and “subcrop” refers to bedrock covered only by surficial deposits such 

as soil, loess, or alluvium. 

The Pierre Shale crops out and subcrops east of the study 

area (figs. 2 and 4) and consists of dark gray shale with layers 

of limonitic siltstone and fine-grained sandstone. The Pierre 

Shale is about 4,200 feet thick in the vicinity of the study area 

(Sharps, 1980). Approximately the upper 200 feet of the Pierre 

Shale is interbedded with siltstone and sandstone and becomes 

increasingly sandy toward the top of the formation, forming a 

gradational contact with the overlying Fox Hills Sandstone. 

The Fox Hills Sandstone crops out and subcrops in the 

study area (fig. 4) and consists of 60 to 130 feet of massive, 

yellow-orange to tan, poorly consolidated, fine-grained sandstone with layers of claystone and well-cemented sandstone. 

Thin lenses of lignitic (coal-rich) shale, large iron- and calcitecemented concretions, and trace fossils of burrows are present 

within the formation. Resistant layers in the Fox Hills Sandstone form caprocks along the crests of some hills of the study 

area. Within the study area, the sandstone layers containing 

fossil burrows commonly are well cemented and therefore 

among the most resistant parts of the formation. One such layer 

crops out and forms the ridge near well D11a (fig. 2). The Fox 

Hills Sandstone is conformably overlain by the Laramie Formation in areas where the Laramie Formation has not been 

removed by erosion.

The Laramie Formation crops out and subcrops west of the 

study area (fig. 4) and in the upland areas along the eastern margin of the Muddy Creek drainage basin. The Laramie Formation 

has a total thickness of about 300 to 350 feet west of the study 

area, but the thickness generally is less than this in the study 

area because much of the formation has been removed by erosion. Regionally, the Laramie Formation consists of an upper 

part that is composed predominantly of shale and siltstone with 

lenses of sandstone and coal and a lower part that is composed 

predominantly of sandstone interbedded with shale and coal 

(Robson and Banta, 1987). In the vicinity of the study area, the 

Laramie Formation was found to be predominantly fine 

grained, consisting of brown to gray shale containing lenses of 

sandstone, lignitic shale, and coal. 

Unconsolidated sediments in the vicinity of the study area 

consist of Peoria Loess, windblown sand deposits, and alluvium. The Peoria Loess generally is Pleistocene in age with 

some materials of Holocene age and covers the bedrock in much 

of the study area (Sharps, 1980). The loess is covered by modern soil horizons and may be interbedded with buried soil horizons (Muhs and others, 1999). More detailed information about 

the Peoria Loess is described by Muhs and others (1999). The 

maximum observed thickness of unconsolidated sediments that 

include the Peoria Loess in the vicinity of the study area is about 

50 feet near well D9 (fig. 2). In the study area, the loess consists 

of fairly homogeneous tan to brown windblown clay and silt 

derived from weathered bedrock and older alluvium. Windblown sand deposits probably are Pleistocene to modern in age 

and were less than 1 foot thick in the cores obtained from drilling at or near wells D6, D9, D25, D31, and D33 (fig. 2). Like 
Hydrogeology 13

the Peoria Loess, the windblown sand deposits are derived from 

weathered bedrock and alluvium. Alluvium at the site probably 

is Pleistocene to Holocene in age. The alluvium is present in 

paleochannels and along the flood plains and bottoms of larger 

stream valleys, sometimes beneath the Peoria Loess. Alluvium 

was less than 1 foot thick in the cores obtained from drilling at 

or near wells D6, D9, D25, D31, and D33 (fig. 2). The composition and texture of the alluvium are not homogeneous but 

range from pink, white, and gray arkosic sands and gravels 

derived from igneous and metamorphic rock of the Rocky 

Mountains to dark yellowish gray to tan clay, silt, and sand 

locally derived from sedimentary rocks. 

Hydrology

An overview of hydrology is included in this report to provide the reader with an understanding of the hydrologic system. 

Hydrology refers to the amount and movement of water in the 

study area, including precipitation (snow and rain), humidity, 

surface water, and ground water. Natural processes that can 

affect a hydrologic system include precipitation, runoff, transpiration, evaporation, infiltration, ground-water flow, and seepage. Anthropogenic processes that can affect a hydrologic 

system include ground-water pumping, surface-water impoundment, diversion, and irrigation, although no irrigation or diversion took place in the study area from 1993 through 1999.

Most of the precipitation in the study area is in the form of 

rain (precipitation data are included in Appendix II). Although 

the study area receives snow between October and April, snow 

accumulation is diminished by the frequent winds in the study 

area, which can drift the snow, and solar radiation, which can 

melt the snow or even sublimate it. Most rain is received in the 

summer during mid-July through August, and sometimes in 

spring during May or June. The presence, duration, and 

intensity of rain varied across the study area (compare July–

September data from the D2 location with data from the D23 

location) and with time (compare 1997 data with 1998 data 

from the same location). The spatial variability in precipitation 

data (Appendix II) indicates that much of the rain originated 

from localized rather than regional thunderstorms. 

Much of the rain that falls in the study area runs off the 

land surface into streams. The hills and valleys of the study area 

form four drainage basins: Badger Creek, Cottonwood Creek, 

Muddy Creek, and Rattlesnake Creek (fig. 6). All four drainage 

basins are part of the larger South Platte River drainage basin 

(Seaber and others, 1987; U.S. Geological Survey, 1974). Surface water can be supplied by precipitation, runoff, springs, or 

ground-water seeps or can be lost to the unsaturated zone or 

ground water by infiltration. Short segments of some of the 

streams in the vicinity of the study area are intermittent and 

flow only at certain times of the year; but in general, the streams 

are ephemeral and flow only after intense rain. Streams flowed 

in or out of the study area from 1993 through 1999 only after 

intense rain. Ponds were present in valleys of the study area during 1993–99; most ponds were impoundments created by detention structures. Floodwaters (especially in July and August) 

deposited sediments and filled in some existing ponds or 

scoured out depressions and formed new ponds. A pond that 

was present near well D5 in 1993 and 1994 gradually dried up 

and filled in by 1997. In August 1996, a large, shallow pond was 

observed east of well D25 (fig. 2); in late 1997 through 1998, 

the ponded area near D25 was drained and regraded by the 

MWRD, and smaller ponds formed behind check dams that 

were installed between wells D8 and D25. Only a few ponds 

were consistently present in the study area from 1993 through 

1999; larger ponds, such as in Cottonwood Creek east of well 

D30, Muddy Creek between wells D20 and D21, and Rattlesnake Creek south of well D22, were fairly stable and routinely 

supported aquatic bird and plant communities. The ponds that 

were present year round likely were recharged by ground-water 

seepage and indicate a hydraulic connection between surface 

water and shallow ground water in the study area.

Intense rainfall in the study area washed surface materials 

off the hillslopes and usually caused streamflow and flooding. 

After floodwaters receded, horizontal lines of flood debris were 

observed about 5 feet above the streambed in some of the 

steeper valleys such as Cottonwood Creek in July and August. 

Flood debris deposited along hillslopes in valleys contained 

topsoil and much plant material, but biosolids in flood debris 

are difficult to detect by visual inspection and were not 

observed by the USGS.

Some of the precipitation in the study area was evaporated, 

and some of the precipitation was consumed by plants through 

absorption and root uptake and then transpired. The term for 

these combined processes is evapotranspiration. The study area 

in general is not wooded, but cottonwood trees were present in 

some valleys including along the southern parts of Muddy 

Creek and Cottonwood Creek. Other vegetation in the study 

area included prairie grasses, wetland plants in some flood 

plains, and agricultural crops. Uptake and transpiration likely 

were more prevalent in flood plains where ground water is 

closer to the land surface and vegetation is denser. Plants uptake 

the most water from soils and shallow ground water during daylight during their growing season, which is usually spring and 

summer for grasses and deciduous trees but also winter for 

some varieties of wheat. Phreatophytes such as cottonwood 

trees draw water directly from the water table, causing potentially substantial losses of ground water through uptake and 

transpiration. Evaporation occurs year round but is highest during the clear, dry, sunny days of summer. Evapotranspiration 

represents natural and possibly substantial losses of water in the 

study area.

Some of the precipitation in the study area infiltrated the 

land surface, percolated through the unsaturated zone, and 

recharged the ground water. Precipitation can directly recharge 

ground water by percolation through porous rock outcrops or 

through the unsaturated zone. Precipitation can indirectly 

recharge ground water by producing streamflow or pond water 

that infiltrates. Ground-water discharges include seepage to 

streams, evapotranspiration, and pumping from wells. Groundwater flow between aquifers can be a discharge for one aquifer 
14 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

and a recharge for another aquifer. In the study area, two types 

of aquifers are important: bedrock aquifers and alluvial aquifers. Deep ground water commonly is part of the bedrock aquifer. Shallow ground water can be either a shallow part of the 

bedrock aquifer or an alluvial aquifer. For this report, “deep” 

ground water refers to a depth to ground water greater than 

50 feet, and “shallow” ground water refers to a depth to ground 

water less than 50 feet. Ground water can be confined or unconfined. Confined ground water is under pressure significantly 

greater than atmospheric, and its upper limit is the bottom of a 

bed of substantially lower hydraulic conductivity than that of 

the geologic material in which the confined water occurs 

(Lohman and others, 1972). Unconfined ground water has a 

water table, which means the ground-water surface is at atmospheric pressure (Lohman and others, 1972). Ground water of 

the study area generally is unconfined. The following sections 

0 1 2 MILES

0 1 2 KILOMETERS

39°33'

39°34'30"

39°36'

39°37'30"

103°55'30" 103°54' 103°52'30" 103°51'

Muddy Creek

drainage basin

Rattlesnake Creek

drainage basin

Cottonwood Creek

Badger Creek

drainage basin

D13

D14

D11a

D17

D15

D23

D18

D16

D20

D19

D22

D33

D32

D6

D2

D29 D11

D26

D4

D8

D25

D3

D24 D9

D27

D7

D28

D1 D12 D31 D30

D10

D5

D21

D21

Muddy

Creek

Rattlesnake Creek

Monitoring well—Number

 refers to table 1

EXPLANATION

Cottonwood Creek

drainage basin

Study-area boundary

Figure 6. Drainage basins in the study area. 
Hydrogeology 15

of this report discuss the hydrology of the bedrock and shallow 

aquifers in detail, and recharge processes are further discussed 

in the subsequent “Aquifer Interaction” section.

Bedrock Aquifer

Rock formations that contain sufficient saturated permeable material to yield significant quantities of ground water to 

wells are called bedrock aquifers (Lohman and others, 1972). 

The shallowest bedrock aquifer in the vicinity of the study area 

is the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer (figs. 4 and 5), which is the primary water-supply aquifer and has a saturated thickness of as 

much as about 200 feet in the vicinity of the study area (Robson 

and others, 1981; Robson and Banta, 1995). Ground water in 

this bedrock aquifer is present in the pore spaces between the 

grains of sand or particles, not in large fractures or large voids. 

The Arapahoe, Denver, and Dawson aquifers (figs. 4 and 5) are 

important sources of ground water in other parts of the Denver 

Basin, but the geologic units that comprise these aquifers are 

eroded away in the study area (fig. 4). Ground water also is 

present in bedrock layers deep below the Laramie-Fox Hills 

aquifer, but this ground water is separated from the LaramieFox Hills aquifer by 5,000 to 6,000 feet of very low permeability Pierre Shale and other fine-grained Cretaceous-age rocks 

(Robson and Banta, 1987, sheet 1), which limit hydraulic interaction between the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer and the deeper 

ground water. Therefore, discussion of bedrock aquifers in this 

report is limited to the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer.

At full saturated thickness, the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer 

includes discrete sandstone units in the lower part of the 

Laramie Formation and all of the Fox Hills Sandstone (figs. 4 

and 5). Locally, the aquifer also may include sandstone and siltstone beds in the transition zone (upper part) of the Pierre Shale. 

Coal seams present in the Laramie Formation are considered to 

be above the top of the aquifer (fig. 5). The predominantly finegrained composition of the upper part of the Laramie Formation 

acts as a confining layer above the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer 

where the aquifer is fully saturated in the central part of the 

Denver Basin west of the study area. In the vicinity of the study 

area, the geologic formations that comprise the Laramie-Fox 

Hills aquifer are only partially saturated, and the aquifer is 

unconfined. The Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer potentially includes 

parts of three formations because saturated sandstones in the 

lower part of the Laramie Formation and in the transition zone 

of the Pierre Shale commonly have direct hydraulic connection 

with the Fox Hills Sandstone. 

By definition, “Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer” refers to the 

geologic layers that are sufficiently saturated to yield significant quantities of water to a well; the term does not refer just to 

the geologic layers of the three formations described in the preceding paragraph. In this report, the full sequence of geologic 

layers that have the potential to be saturated with water and 

form the aquifer, whether or not the layers actually are saturated, is called the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit 

(LFH-HU); only the saturated part of the LFH-HU is the aquifer. Throughout much of the Denver Basin, the LFH-HU is fully 

saturated and confined beneath overlying bedrock layers, so the 

term “Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer” can be used interchangeably 

with the term, “Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit” 

(LFH-HU). However, where the LFH-HU crops out along the 

margins of the Denver Basin, the LFH-HU is dry or not fully 

saturated, so the aquifer either is not present at all or is thin and 

unconfined (Robson, 1983; Romero, 1976). Because not all of 

the LFH-HU is saturated in the vicinity of the study area, it is 

important to distinguish between the aquifer and the hydrostratigraphic unit. 

Location and Extent

The location and extent of the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer 

in the vicinity of the study area determines aquifer interactions, 

areas of the aquifer that could be affected by biosolids applications, and the amount of available ground-water resources. This 

information has not been defined in detail for the study area by 

previous investigations. Moreover, historical delineations may 

be outdated because the location and extent of the aquifer can 

change as water levels in the aquifer fluctuate over the years. 

Characterization of the location and extent of the aquifer within 

the LFH-HU requires many test wells drilled into the LFH-HU; 

this well coverage was not available in the vicinity of the study 

area. However, the location and extent of the Laramie-Fox Hills 

aquifer can be approximated from the presence of the LFH-HU 

with more detailed information provided by three monitoring 

wells, D9, D11a, and D29. 

The presence of the LFH-HU is determined by the outcrop 

and subcrop areas, thickness, and structure of the LFH-HU. 

Outcrops of the Laramie Formation and Fox Hills Sandstone in 

the vicinity of the study area previously have been described 

and mapped by Dane and Pierce (1936), Romero (1976), and 

Sharps (1980). The regional structure and extent of the 

Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer previously have been mapped by 

Romero and Hampton (1972), Romero (1976), Robson and others (1981), and Van Slyke and others (1988). This information 

for the LFH-HU, however, is not provided in detail for the 

vicinity of the study area. Therefore, in 1999, the LFH-HU in 

the vicinity of the study area was mapped in detail to provide 

more information about the possible location and thickness of 

the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer. The LFH-HU in the vicinity of 

the study area was mapped (pls. 1 and 2) using data from geophysical logs (pl. 3), lithologic logs, field observations, and 

available geologic maps and reports. Mapping methods are 

described in Appendix I. 

Areas where the Laramie Formation continuously crops 

out or subcrops could have confined ground water and substantial ground-water resources, such as the western part of the 

mapped area (pls. 1 and 2). Areas where the LFH-HU crops out 

or subcrops have unconfined ground water, and the LaramieFox Hills aquifer is thin or absent. Areas where the Pierre Shale 

crops out or subcrops could have little ground-water resources. 

Areas where the LFH-HU is visible at land surface (outcrop 

areas) and areas where the LFH-HU is covered by soil, loess, or 

alluvium (subcrop areas) were mapped as a single unit of 
16 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

undifferentiated outcrop-subcrop area in plates 1 and 2. All of 

the central MWRD property (the study area) and the north 

MWRD property overlie the outcrop-subcrop area of the LFHHU or the Laramie Formation, but only the western edge of the 

south MWRD property overlies the outcrop-subcrop area of the 

LFH-HU. The LFH-HU is not present in much of the MWRD 

south property (pls. 1 and 2). The LFH-HU outcrop-subcrop 

area is an irregular pattern in the vicinity of the study area 

(pls. 1 and 2). Width of the outcrop-subcrop area ranges from 

about 1 mile at places in the southern part of the mapped area to 

about 11 miles in the north. The irregular pattern of the outcropsubcrop area primarily is caused by the topography of the land 

surface rather than by the configuration of the LFH-HU. 

Topographic relief in the northern part of the mapped area generally is less than in the southern part of the area, resulting in a 

wider outcrop-subcrop area in the north. 

The LFH-HU structure contours in plate 1 provide an estimate of the altitude of the base of the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer 

if the LFH-HU is at least partially saturated. The LFH-HU 

structure contours in plate 2 provide an estimate of the altitude 

of the top of the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer if the LFH-HU is 

fully saturated. A comparison of the structure-contour altitude 

with land-surface altitude will indicate depth below land surface. The structure contours indicate that the maximum depth 

below land surface to the top or bottom of the Laramie-Fox 

Hills aquifer is in the northwest part of the mapped area (pls. 1 

and 2). The LFH-HU dips to the northwest at an average inclination of about 40 feet per mile (pls. 1 and 2) over most of the 

mapped area. In the northern part of the mapped area, broad 

folds are present in the structure of the LFH-HU, and the LFHHU dips in a more westerly direction. Locally, dips range from 

about 30 to 60 feet per mile. 

The difference in the top and base LFH-HU structurecontour altitudes (pls. 1 and 2) provide an estimate of the thickness of the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer if the LFH-HU is fully 

saturated. The total thickness of the LFH-HU ranges from about 

240 to 360 feet in the vicinity of the study area, primarily as a 

function of changes in lithology at the top and base of the hydrostratigraphic unit. The LFH-HU is less than 200 feet thick in 

parts of the study area, however, because part of the LFH-HU 

has been eroded. A gradual facies change occurs in the 

LFH-HU from the northeast to the southwest across the southern part of the mapped area as sediments that compose the base 

of the unit become more fine grained. The facies change results 

in a decrease of about 30 feet in the thickness of the LFH-HU to 

the southwest, but because the change in thickness is gradual 

and is less than the contour interval of the map, structural contours for the base of the LFH-HU were drawn continuously 

across the change. 

Hydrologic Properties

Various published reports provide information about the 

hydrologic properties of the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer 

(Romero, 1976; Robson and others, 1981; Major and others, 

1983; Robson, 1983, 1987). Saturated thickness of the aquifer 

in the vicinity of the study area likely is 200 feet or less (Robson 

and others, 1981; Robson and Banta, 1995; Robson, 1987, fig. 

6). The aquifer yields about 5 to 250 gallons per minute 

(Romero, 1976; Major and others, 1983) but yields as much as 

900 gallons per minute in a few places in the Denver Basin farther west (Romero and Hampton, 1972). Hydraulic conductivity is a measure of the relative ease with which a porous material 

transmits water. Robson (1983, fig. 7) reported that hydraulic 

conductivity averages about 6 feet per day in the study area and 

was measured at 7 feet per day at one location in the study area. 

The storage coefficient of a confined aquifer is the volume of 

water the aquifer releases or stores per unit surface area per unit 

change in head. The storage coefficient of the Laramie-Fox 

Hills aquifer is estimated to be about 0.0002 or less in the study 

area but is as much as 0.0004 in deeper parts of the basin (Robson, 1983, fig. 17). Water-level data for the aquifer from 1978 

indicated a potentiometric-surface altitude in the study area that 

ranged from about 5,200 to 5,300 feet above NGVD 29 and 

indicated the general direction of ground-water flow in the 

study area was from south to north with a component of flow to 

the east (Robson and others, 1981, fig. 8). 

Because hydrologic data for the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer 

within the study area were sparse, one shallow bedrock well 

was constructed in 1993 (well D9; fig. 2), and two deep bedrock 

wells were constructed in 1997 (wells D11a and D29; fig. 2). 

These monitoring wells were intended to provide hydrologic 

and water-quality information for the sandstone part of the bedrock aquifer (the upper and likely more permeable part of the 

LFH-HU). A shallow borehole was drilled near the north 

boundary of the study area into the Fox Hills Sandstone where 

the formation begins to transition into shale. This borehole 

yielded water from the lower 5 feet of the formation, was completed as monitoring well D9 (fig. 2), and was screened at about 

49 to 59 feet below land surface. A borehole that was drilled 

through the sandstone ridge north of well D17 yielded water 

from the lower 10 feet of approximately the same part of the formation about 4 miles southwest of well D9. This borehole was 

completed as monitoring well D11a and was screened at about 

110 to 120 feet below land surface. Another borehole yielded 

water from the lower 4 feet of approximately the same part of 

the formation about 1 mile south of well D9, was completed as 

monitoring well D29, and was screened at about 145 to 155 feet 

below land surface. Well information is listed in table 1 and 

Appendix II. The other USGS monitoring wells in the study 

area (fig. 2, table 1, and Appendix II) are shallow (less than 

about 58 feet deep), but some of these wells likely are completed in the bedrock aquifer (table 1). All shallow wells will be 

discussed in the next section, “Shallow Aquifers.” 

Water levels were measured monthly and water-quality 

samples were collected quarterly at the bedrock monitoring 

wells, D9, D11a, and D29. Depth to water in feet below land 

surface was about 55 at well D9, 110 at well D11a, and 150 at 

well D29; these water levels represented maximum observed 

depth to water in the study area. Water levels fluctuated only 

about 1 foot at well D9, 0.25 foot at well D11a, and about 

0.5 foot at well D29 (Appendix II). These water-level data 
Hydrogeology 17

indicate unconfined conditions and a potentiometric altitude of 

5,160 feet above NGVD 29 at well D9, 5,261 feet above NGVD 

29 at well D11a, and 5,214 feet above NGVD 29 at well D29. 

These data are similar to those shown by Robson and others 

(1981). Well D9 is completed in the LFH-HU, but at a place 

where much of the upper part of the Fox Hills Sandstone is 

eroded away, and the well does not yield sufficient ground 

water to be considered the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer. Yield 

from the other two bedrock monitoring wells also was relatively 

small; the wells were easily pumped dry at about 0.25 gallon per 

minute or less. At these monitoring locations, the Laramie-Fox 

Hills aquifer was only partly saturated. Wells D9, D11a, and 

D29 do not fully penetrate all 240–360 feet of the LFH-HU 

(pls. 1 and 2); these wells penetrate only the Fox Hills Sandstone interval in the upper part of the LFH-HU (pl. 3) above the 

shaley part of the LFH-HU (fig. 5 and pl. 3). Within the upper 

sandstone interval of the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer, saturated 

thickness was less than 10 feet (about 10 percent) at well D11a 

and less than 5 feet (about 5 percent) at well D29; the aquifer 

likely is hydraulically continuous for about another 250 feet of 

depth below these wells (pls. 2 and 3), but yield is likely to be 

even less in the lower part of the aquifer because the more shaley part of the aquifer generally has less permeability. Water 

levels in these wells and other wells completed in the bedrock 

aquifer (tables 1 and II.3) indicate a component of ground-water 

flow to the north in the study area and recharge to the bedrock 

aquifer along the main ridge of the study area. Additional 

bedrock wells would be needed to further assess the extent, 

saturated thickness, and ground-water flow directions within 

the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer in the study area.

Shallow Aquifers

The remaining monitoring wells (fig. 2, table 1) are completed in either alluvial aquifers or shallow parts of the bedrock 

aquifer where depth to water is less than about 50 feet. The location and quantity of alluvium commonly were not determined as 

part of this study, so both bedrock and alluvial aquifers are 

included in this discussion of shallow ground water. Lithologic 

and well-completion information for the shallow wells are provided in Appendix II. 

A number of alluvial aquifers are present, are associated 

with the stream network in the study area, and are of limited 

extent. For the purposes of this report, unconsolidated (uncemented) sediments and gravels in current or historical stream 

channels or flood plains that yield significant quantities of 

ground water to wells are called alluvial aquifers, regardless of 

whether wind or water deposited the sediments. Geologic information from the boreholes of the two hills containing wells 

D11a and D29 indicate that saturated alluvium and loess are not 

present continuously on or beneath all hills of the study area, so 

alluvial aquifers are discrete and associated with streams. A thin 

alluvial aquifer was observed in the upper part of Badger Creek 

at the location of well D9 at about 28 feet below land surface, 

but this ground-water zone was not monitored. Alluvial aquifers 

are present in the Muddy Creek and Cottonwood Creek valleys, 

although not all loess and alluvium deposits in the valleys are 

saturated, even in streambeds. Wells D1, D11, and D18 were 

constructed in stream valleys but were dry whenever checked 

for water level after 1993. In contrast, wells D6, D17, D25, 

D31, and D33 yielded at least 0.2 gallon per minute and are 

known to be completed in loess or alluvial aquifers because 

boreholes at these locations were cored. Wells D15, D23, and 

D30 likely are completed in alluvial aquifers because the well 

depths are 23 feet or less, and the wells are located in downgradient parts of relatively large drainage basins. Wells D3, D4, 

D19, D22, D24, D26, and D32 likely are completed in shallow 

parts of the bedrock aquifer because these wells are screened 

below the probable extent of the alluvial deposits. 

Depth to shallow ground water in the study area ranged 

from about 2 feet below land surface at well D23 to about 

37 feet below land surface at well D3. Water levels commonly 

were lowest between June and early July, and water levels 

commonly were highest between late July and December 

(Appendix II). 

Water-table contour maps indicate generalized, horizontal 

hydraulic gradients. Water-level data measured October 3–4, 

1996, in the shallow wells were contoured for the study area. 

The resulting water-table map (fig. 7) indicates that steeper 

hydraulic gradients coincide with steeper topography in the 

study area. The map also indicates that a component of groundwater flow is down valleys. Well coverage was not sufficient to 

determine if another component of ground-water flow is perpendicular to the valley floor down the hill slopes. Water-level 

data for well D22 were not contoured in figure 7 because the 

well D22 data indicated an improbable flow path if considered 

part of the water table. Water-level data for well D24 were not 

contoured in figure 7 because the well D24 data indicated an 

improbable hydraulic gradient if considered part of the water 

table. Hydraulic connection between the bedrock and alluvial 

aquifers will be discussed in the next section, “Aquifer Interaction.”

Water levels in the shallow wells fluctuated differently. 

Water levels fluctuated most in summer and least in winter, and 

water levels fluctuated most in the shallower wells and least in 

the deeper wells (Appendix II). Monthly water-level data for the 

shallow monitoring wells and continuous-recorder data for 

wells D2 and D23 illustrate this point. Well D2 is located in a 

small, steep valley incised in the shaley part of the LFH-HU, the 

transition zone of the Pierre Shale, and had water levels ranging 

from about 8 to 10 feet below land surface. Well D23 is located 

in a longer, flatter valley incised in the sandier part of the LFHHU compared to well D2 and had water levels ranging from 

about 1.5 to 5.5 feet below land surface. Both sites were vegetated but not wooded, and ponds usually were present during 

1993–98 within 20 feet of both sites. Comparison of continuous-recorder data for wells D2 and D23 provides detailed information about water-level fluctuations at hourly, daily, and 

seasonal time scales. 
18 Hydrology of a Biosolids-Application Site Near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

0 1 2 MILES

0 1 2 KILOMETERS

39°33'

39°34'30"

39°36'

39°37'30"

103°55'30" 103°54' 103°52'30" 103°51'

Muddy Creek

5,400

5,400

5,400

5,200

5,300

5,200

5,200

5,200

5,200

5,100

5,100

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,200

5,300

5,400

5,200

5,400

5,400

5,100

5,200

5,200

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,160

5,140

5,200

5,180

5,180

5,120

5,140

5,160

5,160

5,100

5,080

5,080 5,160

5,180

5,200

5,220

5,220

5,200 5,220

5,240

5,260

5,200

5,260

5,280

5,300

5,180

5,140

Contour elevations generated from DEM data

NAD 27, NGVD 29

ARAPAHOE

ELBERT

7 8 9 10 11

18 17 16 15 14

19 20 21 22 23

30 29 28 27 26

31 32 33 34 35

6 5 4 32

7 8 9 10 11

18 17 16 15 14

EXPLANATION

Study-area boundary

Property-ownership boundary

 after 1995

Water-table contours. Dashed

 where inferred. Contour interval is

 20 feet. Datum is National Geodetic

 Vertical Datum of 1929

Monitoring wells

Rattlesnake

Figure 7. Water-table contours for the study area, October 3–4, 1996.
Hydrogeology 19

Hourly water-level data can indicate daily hydrologic 

cycles affecting ground water. Hourly data for a 5-day period 

during the (A) summer and (B) winter are shown in figure 8 for 

well D2 and figure 9 for well D23. Comparing these four graphs 

shows that water levels were slightly higher in the winter than 

in the summer, and evaporation affects ground water at these 

two sites less in winter. Winter water levels at wells D2 and D23 

fluctuated about 0.05 foot or less during the 5-day period shown 

in figures 8 and 9, whereas summer water levels at wells D2 and 

D23 fluctuated more and indicated a distinct diurnal pattern. 

Evapotranspiration has a 24-hour cycle and is a more dominant 

process during summer when air temperatures are warm. Summer water levels at both wells have a 24-hour cycle that indicates evapotranspiration, although the 24-hour cycle at well 

D23 is more pronounced and typical of diurnal evapotranspiration fluctuations. Evapotranspiration is more likely to affect 

ground water in the vicinity of well D23 than D2 because the 

water table is closer to the land surface at D23 and is more available to plant roots and more likely to be affected by changes in 

surficial temperatures and humidity. The timing of the diurnal 

cycles in the data can indicate whether evapotranspiration is 

taking place close to the monitoring well or farther away. If 

evapotranspiration takes place close to the well, water levels 

would decline throughout the hot, daylight hours, then rise during the cool, dark, night hours. If evapotranspiration takes place 

farther from the well, the diurnal cycle could be offset. At both 

wells, the summer water levels declined through the daylight 

hours and were lowest from about 8 p.m. to midnight, which is 

consistent with evapotranspiration taking place near the well. 

The relation of recharge to precipitation is apparent when 

precipitation and water-level data are compared at a seasonal 

time scale. Water levels and precipitation data during and after 

the rainy season from the continuous recorders are shown in 

figure 10 for well D2 in 1997 and figure 11 for well D23 in 

1996. In general, water levels at both wells were declining 

before the rainy season began in July. The water-level data indicate that the first rains did not recharge the aquifers; rain that 

infiltrated did not sufficiently saturate the unsaturated zone to 

recharge ground water. Additional rainfall in late July 1997 at 

D2 or late August 1996 at D23 did infiltrate and recharge shallow ground water. The magnitude of water-level increase did 

not always correlate with the magnitude of precipitation, indicating that preceding conditions affect whether the portion of 

the precipitation that infiltrates the ground surface recharges the 

ground water (wet preceding conditions) or remains in the soil 

zone (drier preceding conditions). The lag in water-level 

response to precipitation during this period was less than one 

week at both wells and often within one day, indicating that 

ground water often recharges soon after infiltration. Water levels rose and stayed fairly high at well D23 throughout October, 

but water levels declined again at well D2 in September. Locations such as D2 and D23 where ground-water recharge is 

nearly simultaneous with rainfall may be most susceptible to 

ground-water contamination from anthropogenic applications. 

A possible relation of recharge to precipitation is apparent 

when specific-conductance, water-temperature, precipitation, 

and water-level data are compared at a seasonal time scale. Specific-conductance and water-temperature data from well D6 

were paired with precipitation records from nearby well D2 for 

1998 (fig. 12) to examine ground-water recharge. The slight 

decline in specific conductance at well D6 in late summer and 

fall is consistent with dilution of major ions and coincides with 

increased ground-water temperature (fig. 12) and increased 

water level (Appendix II). This relation indicates that warm 

summer rains or ponds can recharge the ground water in the 

vicinity of well D6 from about 8 days to several months after 

large rainfall accumulations. 

Another concept related to ground-water recharge is flow 

paths. The pathway that water takes to reach the aquifer and the 

pathways that water in the aquifer travels are known as groundwater flow paths. Flow paths affect the amount of water that is 

recharged, the timing of ground-water recharge, and the amount 

of time water travels within the aquifer. Where the water in the 

aquifer originates, what processes affect that water, and what 

properties and chemistry are characteristic of that water are 

related to flow paths. The likelihood that ground water is contaminated by the application of agricultural chemicals or biosolids at the land surface largely is determined by ground-water 

flow paths. Dissolved-gas and chlorofluorocarbon (DG-CFC) 

data provide some flow-path information. DG-CFC’s are 

present in air, trapped in the water that infiltrates through the 

subsurface, and isolated from the atmosphere when the water 

enters the saturated zone. Some DG-CFC’s can stay unchanged 

in the ground water after recharge and sometimes can be used 

as tracers, or indicators, of ground-water recharge history and 

flow paths. The theory supporting the use of DG-CFC’s as tracers, as well as the specific sampling and analytical methods and 

interpretive calculations, is explained by Busenberg and Plummer (1992), Busenberg and others (1999), Heaton (1981), 

Heaton and Vogel (1981), Heaton and others (1983), Plummer 

and Friedman (1999), Stute and Schlosser (1999), Stute and 

others (1992), and Wilson and McNeill (1997). Descriptions of 

USGS DG-CFC applications also are provided on the Internet 

(http://water.usgs.gov/lab/cfc/ and http://water.usgs.gov/lab/

dissolved-gas/, accessed October 2001). 

Ground-water recharge information indicated by the 1998 

dissolved-gas sampling for the study area (table 2) includes calculated recharge water temperature, suggested recharge source, 

and recharge altitude calculated from thermodynamic equilibrium principles applied to gas concentrations in ground-water 

samples. Comparison of ground-water temperature during dissolved-gas sampling with the apparent recharge temperature 

(fig. 13) can indicate whether the recharge water likely was 

warmer than ground water as in the case of recharge from summer rain or ponding, about the same temperature as ground 

water as in the case of recharge or flow from other ground 

water, or colder than ground water as in the case of recharge 

from ponds during the spring or fall (Plummer and others, 

2001). The dissolved-gas results indicate that recharge sources 

in the study area vary, but of the wells selected for DG-CFC 

sampling, well D6 yielded the only ground-water sample that 

indicates recharge directly from precipitation or perhaps warm 
20 Hydrology of a Biosolids-Application Site Near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99 INSTANTANEOUS DEPTH TO WATER

4

0H 6H 12H 18H

5

0H 6H 12H 18H

6

0H 6H 12H 18H

7

0H 6H 12H 18H

8

0H 6H 12H 18H

DECEMBER 1996

8.48.58.68.78.88.9

 INSTANTANEOUS DEPTH TO WATER

22

0H 6H 12H 18H

23

0H 6H 12H 18H

24

0H 6H 12H 18H

25

0H 6H 12H 18H

26

0H 6H 12H 18H

JULY 1996

8.38.48.58.68.78.8

DEPTH BELOW LAND SURFACE, IN FEET

AB

Figure 8. Diurnal fluctuations in water level at well D2 during: (

A) summer and (

B) winter, 1996. 
Hydrogeology 21

1.81.9

2

2.12.22.3

2.82.9

3

3.13.23.3

4

0H 6H 12H 18H

5

0H 6H 12H 18H

6

0H 6H 12H 18H

7

0H 6H 12H 18H

8

0H 6H 12H 18H

DECEMBER 1996

22

0H 6H 12H 18H

23

0H 6H 12H 18H

24

0H 6H 12H 18H

25

0H 6H 12H 18H

26

0H 6H 12H 18H

JULY 1996

DEPTH BELOW LAND SURFACE, IN FEET

INSTANTANEOUS DEPTH TO WATER

INSTANTANEOUS DEPTH TO WATER

AB

Figure 9. Diurnal fluctuations in water level at well D23 during: (A) summer and (B) winter, 1996. 
22 Hydrology of a Biosolids-Application Site Near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99 DAILY MAXIMUM DEPTH TO WATER DAILY MAXIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE

789

1011

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

9

1413121110

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

APPROXIMATE DAILY TOTAL PRECIPITATION

JULY

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

AUGUST

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

SEPTEMBER

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

OCTOBER

JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBERJULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

1997

0

1.5

1.0

0.5

2

DEPTH TO WATER

BELOW LAND

SURFACE, IN FEET

WATER 

TEMPERATURE, IN 

DEGREES CELSIUS

PRECIPITATION,

IN INCHES

Figure 10. Continuous-recorder water levels, water temperature, and precipitation at well D2 during summer and fall, 1997. 
Hydrogeology 23

JULY

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

AUGUST

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

SEPTEMBER

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

OCTOBER

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

12345

DAILY MAXIMUM DEPTH TO WATER APPROXIMATE DAILY TOTAL PRECIPITATION

JULY

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

AUGUST

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

SEPTEMBER

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

OCTOBER

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30

1996

0

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

PRECIPITATION,

IN INCHES

DEPTH TO WATER

BELOW LAND

SURFACE, IN FEET

Figure 11. Continuous-recorder water levels and precipitation at well D23 during summer and fall, 1996. 
24 Hydrology of a Biosolids-Application Site Near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99 15,600 15,500 15,400 15,300 15,200 15,100 15,000

9

1413121110

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

DAILY MAXIMUM SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE AT WELL D6DAILY MAXIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE AT WELL D6APPROXIMATE DAILY TOTAL PRECIPITATION AT WELL D2

7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28

7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28

1998

JAN

7 14 21 28

FEB

7 14 21 28

MAR

7 14 21 28

APR

7 14 21 28

MAY

7 14 21 28

JUNE

7 14 21 28

JULY

7 14 21 28

AUG

7 14 21 28

SEPT

7 14 21 28

OCT

7 14 21 28

NOV

7 14 21 28

DEC

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DECJAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

7 14 21 28

WATER 

TEMPERATURE, IN

DEGREES CELSIUS

CONDUCTANCE, IN

MICROSIEMENS PER

CENTIMETER AT 25°

DEGREES CELSIUS PRECIPITATION,

IN INCHES

Figure 12. Continuous-recorder water temperature and specific conductance at well D6 and precipitation at well D2 during 1998.
Hydrogeology 25

SAMPLE FIELD TEMPERATURE, 

IN DEGREES CELSIUS 

Recharge

from other

ground

water 

Zone of

cooling after

recharge, as 

from rain or warm

pond recharge

Zone of

warming after

recharge, as 

from cold pond or

snowmelt recharge

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

CALCULATED RECHARGE 

TEMPERATURE,

IN DEGREES CELSIUS

(summer) ponding (table 2). These results are consistent with 

the interpretation of the continuous-recorder data for well D6 

(fig. 12). The estimated recharge altitudes (table 2) are approximate but reasonable for the study area. 

Ground-water recharge information indicated by the 1998 

chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) sampling for the study area is listed 

in table 3 and includes the apparent ground-water recharge date 

and the degree of apparent mixing of old pre-1940 water and 

young post-1940 water during recharge. Old water does not 

contain CFC’s, and this generally is water recharged before 

1940. Young water contains detectable CFC concentrations, 

and this generally is water recharged after the 1940’s to 1950’s. 

CFC data for DG-CFC-sampled wells in 1998 indicate apparent 

ground-water recharge dates from 1993–98 at well D9 to about 

1955–60 at well D25. Of the ground water sampled, only samples from well D9 and possibly well D24 appear to have been 

Table 2. Ground-water recharge information indicated by dissolved-gas data collected at selected 

wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1998.

[Temperature in degrees Celsius; Alt. Ft., altitude in feet above NGVD 29; dissolved-gas data and calculated information are 

in table II.5 in the back of the report; the uncertainty of the calculated recharge temperatures is less than 2 degrees Celsius; 

dissolved-gas sampling and analytical methods and calculations are described by Busenberg and others (1999), Heaton (1981), 

Heaton and Vogel (1981), Heaton and others (1983), Plummer and others (2001), Stute and Schlosser (1999), 

Stute and others (1992), and Wilson and McNeill (1997)]

Sampling location 

and date

Temperature Suggested recharge 

source

(fig. 13)

Estimated 

recharge 

(Alt. Ft.) Sample,

field

Calculated 

recharge

D5 11/19/98 12 11.2 Pond or other ground water 5,217

D5 11/19/98 12 11.1 Pond or other ground water 5,217

D6 11/24/98 12.9 15.5 Rain or warm pond 5,217

D6 11/24/98 12.9 15.6 Rain or warm pond 5,217

D9 11/17/98 16.5 12.0 Cold pond or snowmelt 5,225

D10 11/19/98 13.2 11.5 Cold pond or snowmelt 5,220

D13 11/18/98 11.9 11.0 Pond or other ground water 5,264

D14 11/24/98 12.4 12.3 Other ground water 5,264

D17 11/18/98 14.3 11.0 Cold pond or snowmelt 5,264

D17 11/18/98 14.3 10.8 Cold pond or snowmelt 5,264

D24 11/17/98 12.8 12.6 Other ground water 5,200

D24 11/17/98 12.8 13.0 Other ground water 5,200

D25 11/18/98 13 9.9 Cold pond or snowmelt 5,160

Figure 13. Comparison of sample temperature with calculated recharge 

temperature for selected wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, based on 1998 

dissolved-gas data. 
26 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

recharged during the 1990’s, although the D9 sample may have 

been affected by modern air when the well was pumped dry during sampling. Pumping the well dry can introduce modern air 

into the sampling tubing and yield a recharge date more recent 

than actual. Ground water in the other sampled wells appears to 

have been recharged during the 1950’s through 1980’s (table 3), 

which was before biosolids applications to the study area. 

Ground water at some of the sites sampled for DG-CFC’s, however, may be old ground water such as from the bedrock aquifer 

mixing with young ground water such as from recent recharge 

or alluvial aquifers. The use of DG-CFC data to indicate mixing 

of bedrock and alluvial water is discussed in the following section, “Aquifer Interaction.”

Aquifer Interaction

Interactions between the bedrock and alluvial aquifers are 

an important part of ground-water flow paths and affect contaminant transport. Bedrock ground water can be recharged 

from overlying aquifers in the deeper parts of the Denver Basin, 

which causes ground-water flow outward toward the basin margins (fig. 14). Bedrock ground water also can be recharged by 

alluvial ground water or provide recharge to alluvial ground 

water, depending on the hydraulic gradient between the aquifers 

(fig. 14). Where alluvial aquifers or surface water recharges 

the bedrock aquifer, surficial contaminants could be transported 

to the bedrock aquifer. Where the bedrock aquifer recharges 

alluvial aquifers, surficial contaminants are unlikely to be 

transported to the bedrock aquifer. Flow paths and hydraulic 

gradients are not permanent, however; additional ground-water 

withdrawals such as pumping from new wells can reverse the 

hydraulic gradients and change flow paths. Hydrologic and 

hydrogeologic data for the study area are not sufficient to indicate all specific flow paths between the aquifers but enable 

some general flow-path inferences. Altitudes of water levels in 

bedrock wells D11a and D29 were similar to those in nearby 

shallow wells, indicating a close hydraulic connection between 

the bedrock aquifer and alluvial aquifers at these locations. A 

detailed comparison of water-level altitudes indicates that a 

component of ground-water flow in these parts of the bedrock 

aquifer could be toward the alluvial aquifers. Aquifer interaction in the study area is further explored through four hydrogeologic sections (figs. 15 and 16). 

Table 3. Ground-water recharge information indicated by chlorofluorocarbon data collected at selected wells near Deer 

Trail, Colorado, 1998.

[Temp., temperature; Alt, altitude; oC, degrees Celsius; ft, feet above NGVD 29; a range of recharge dates are listed to indicate amount of uncertainty 

in the calculated dates; chlorofluorocarbon sampling and age-dating methods from Busenberg and Plummer (1992, Plummer and Busenberg (1999), 

and Plummer and others (2001)]

Well

name

Sampling 

date

Calculated 

recharge

Calculated 

apparent groundwater recharge 

date

Certainty 

of age

Apparent mixing of 

old and young ground 

Temp. water

(

oC)

Alt.

(ft)

D3 11/17/98 11.0 5,217 1970–74 High Possibly

D5 11/19/98 11.1 5,217 1975–80 High No

D6 11/24/98 15.6 5,217 1961–69 Moderate1 Yes4

D9 11/17/98 12.0 5,163 1993–98 Low2 Possibly

D10 11/19/98 11.5 5,220 1982–87 High No

D13 11/18/98 11.0 5,264 1970–74 High Slight

D14 11/24/98 12.3 5,264 1970–75 High No

D17 11/18/98 11.0 5,264 1964–68 High Slight

D24 11/17/98 12.6 5,200 1989–95 Low Possibly

D25 11/18/98 9.9 5,160 1955–60 Moderate3 No

1Results indicate mixing of old ground water, such as bedrock ground water, with younger water. The age of the older 

fraction likely is older than calculated, and the age of the younger fraction likely is younger than calculated. 

2Well was pumped dry during sampling, which could introduce modern levels of chlorofluorocarbons into the sample 

and make the sample appear to be more recently recharged than actual.

3Sample contained methane, which means the chlorofluorocarbon amounts likely have been microbially decreased 

since recharge, so actual age is more recent than calculated by the model. A tritium analysis is needed to confirm this age.

4Ratios of chlorofluorocarbons indicate that at least 50 percent of this water is young (post-1940).
Hydrogeology 27

LARAMIE-FOX HILLS AQUIFER

SHALEY UPPER PART OF

LARAMIE FORMATION

ARAPAHOE AQUIFER

ALLUVIAL AQUIFERS

WATER TABLE

ALLUVIAL AQUIFERS

OUTCROP AREA

EXPLANATION

General direction of

 water movement

Not to scale

PRECIPITATION

PIERRE SHALE

Section E-E' (fig. 16) shows Muddy Creek and Cottonwood Creek drainage basins and indicates that the alluvial aquifer in Cottonwood Creek probably receives recharge from the 

Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer because water-level altitudes 

decrease away from the ridge where well D29 is located. The 

bedrock aquifer in the vicinity of well D29 lies beneath a remnant section of the Laramie Formation, but data from well D29 

indicate that the aquifer is unconfined at this location with only 

a few feet of water in the sandstone above the shaley units. 

Bedrock ground water at this location could be recharged by 

rain infiltration on the hill and from other bedrock ground water 

that flows northward in the aquifer. Well D1 could be dry 

because no alluvial aquifer is present at that location, and the 

well is screened above the bedrock aquifer. Well D12 is a windmill well drilled by landowners before 1993. The well had low 

yield; this well pumped dry during sampling when pumped at 

0.3 gallon per minute. Well D12 could be completed in a shallow part of the bedrock aquifer because water levels in that well 

were below the likely altitude of the base of the alluvium at that 

location. From well D12, the water table slopes eastward 

toward wells D31 and D30 before the ground water flows off 

the MWRD property. The alluvium in the lower part of 

Cottonwood Creek receives water from the bedrock aquifer.

Well D31 was constructed in a cored borehole and is completed 

in Cottonwood Creek alluvium that is incised into the LFH-HU 

in the transition zone of the Pierre Shale. Well D25, on the other 

hand, is completed in the extensive flood-plain deposits of 

Muddy Creek alluvium that are incised into the sandstone part 

of the LFH-HU. Therefore, in the vicinity of wells D25, D30, 

and D31, the alluvial aquifers likely are in close hydraulic connection with the bedrock aquifer, and the bedrock aquifer likely 

contributes at least some ground water to the alluvial aquifers.

 Section F-F' (fig. 16) shows Muddy Creek and Rattlesnake Creek drainage basins. The line of section follows the 

stream valleys (fig. 15). The section also includes well D25 but 

shows the entire alluvial aquifer from D28 to D25 that underlies 

the tributary valley to Muddy Creek where these wells are 

located. The water table could be continuous between wells 

D22 and D28, but no water-level data were available for that 

area. If a water table is present in the LFH-HU under the hill as 

in section E-E', then the bedrock aquifer in the LFH-HU outcrop 

area of the hilltop could be contributing ground water to the 

alluvial aquifer in the lower part of the tributary valley to 

Muddy Creek that contains wells D25 and D28. The lower part 

of this valley contains alluvium that is incised into the sandstone 

part of the LFH-HU. The bedrock ground water in the lower 

part of this tributary valley to Muddy Creek likely is hydraulically connected with the alluvial ground water. Well D22, 

however, is located in a small, steep Rattlesnake Creek valley 

incised into the Pierre Shale transition zone within the LFHHU. The small, steeply sided shape of this valley makes it 

unlikely to contain thick alluvial deposits; the water-level altitude in well D22 is beneath the probable base of the alluvium. 

In addition, the water-level altitude in well D22 is below that of 

a downgradient pond in the same valley. Therefore, well D22 

probably is completed in a shallow part of the Laramie-Fox 

Hills aquifer. Surface water, when present in this part of Rattlesnake Creek, could infiltrate and recharge the bedrock aquifer.

Section G-G' (fig. 16) shows the Muddy Creek drainage 

basin. This section is entirely within the wide, flat Muddy Creek 

flood plain. Alluvial deposits probably are extensive in this 

Figure 14. Ground-water movement (from Robson and others, 1981, fig. 7).
28 Hydrology of a Biosolids-Application Site Near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

0 1 2 MILES

0 1 2 KILOMETERS

39°33'

39°34'30"

39°36'

39°37'30"

103°55'30" 103°54' 103°52'30" 103°51'

5,400

5,400

5,400

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,200

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,300

5,200

5,100

5,100

5,100

5,200

5,200

5,300

5,300

5,400

5,300

5,200

5,100

5,400

5,400

5,300

5,200

5,100

5,200

5,100

5,200

5,300

5,200

5,200

5,200

5,300

5,200

5,400

Muddy Creek

Contour elevations generated from DEM data

Datum is NGVD of 1929

ARAPAHOE

ELBERT

D25

D24 D9

D26

D28

D14

D11a

D17

D19

D22

D20

D21

D16

D18

D23

D15

D11 D29

D1

D12

D31

D30

D30

D5

D32

D10

D13

D7

D27

D33

D2

D6

D3

D4

D8

7 8 9 10 11

18 17 16 15 14

19 20 21 22 23

30 29 28 27 26

31 32 33 34 35

6

5

4 32

7 8 9 10 11

18 17 16 15 14

EXPLANATION

Study area

Cross section

Property-ownership boundary

 after 1995

Monitoring wells

Rattlesnake

Creek

Cottonwood

F

E

E'

E E'

F'

G

G'

H'

H

Figure 15. Locations of hydrogeologic sections E-E’, F-F’, G-G’, and H-H’.
Hydrogeology 29

5,3005,2005,1005,0004,900

5,3005,2005,1005,0004,900

FEET FEET

E E'

FEET ABOVE NGVD 29 water table

Kp

Kl

well D25

Klf5

well D29

Klf3

Klf2

Klf1

well D1

well D12

well D31

well D30

BEND IN SECTION

BEND IN SECTION

POND

COTTONWOOD CREEK

BEND IN SECTION

BEND IN SECTION

BEND IN SECTION

VERTICAL EXAGGERATION x 11

MUDDY CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN COTTONWOOD CREEK DRAINAGE 

BASIN

EXPLANATION

ALLUVIUMGEOLOGIC MARKER BEDSMONITORING WELL  EXTRAPOLATED NEAR  CROSS SECTIONOIL AND GAS WELL WITH  GEOPHYSICAL LOG

LARAMIE FORMATION EXCLUSIVE  OF THE LFH-HULARAMIE-FOX HILLS HYDROSTRATIGRAPHIC  UNITPIERRE SHALE EXCLUSIVE OF  THE LFH-HU

Klf5

LFH-HU

LFH-HU

Kp

Kl

MONITORING WELL AT  CROSS SECTION

?

? ? ?

?

? ?

LFH-HU

Trace of section shown in figure 15

MUDDY CREEK

0 1/2 1 MILE0 0.5 1 KILOMETER

Figure 16. Hydrogeologic sections E-E’, F-F’, G-G’, and H-H’. 
30 Hydrolgeology of a Biosolids-Application Site Near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99 5,400 5,300 5,200 5,100 5,000

4,9004,8004,700

5,5005,4005,3005,2005,1005,000

5,5005,4005,3005,2005,1005,000

5,4005,3005,2005,1005,0004,9004,8004,700

FEET FEET

F'

F

FEET FEET

G G'

FEET ABOVE NGVD 29

FEET ABOVE NGVD 29

FEET ABOVE 

NGVD 29

FEET ABOVE 

NGVD 29

Kp

Kp

well D22

well D28

well D7

well D27

well D8

well D25

well D17

well D21

well D20

well D13

well D11a

well D25 Klf5

Klf9

Klf11

Klf16

well D11a

Klf17

Klf14

Klf15, Klf19

well D3

Klf9

Klf5

Klf11

Klf16

WR6

Klf17

Klf19

WR7

POND

VERTICAL EXAGGERATION x 11

VERTICAL EXAGGERATION x 11

MUDDY CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN

MUDDY CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN RATTLESNAKE DRAINAGE BASIN

EXPLANATION

ALLUVIUMGEOLOGIC MARKER BEDSOIL AND GAS WELL WITH  GEOPHYSICAL LOG

Klf19

Top of LFH-HU Extrapolated

Extrapolated Top of LFH-HU

 LFH-HU

LFH-HU

Kl

BEND IN SECTION

BEND IN SECTION BEND IN SECTION

BEND IN SECTION

BEND IN SECTION

BEND IN SECTION

BEND IN SECTION

MONITORING WELL AT  CROSS SECTION

MONITORING WELL  EXTRAPOLATED NEAR  CROSS SECTION

water table

water table

?

? ?

?

? ? ? ?

? ?

?

LARAMIE FORMATION EXCLUSIVE  OF THE LFH-HULARAMIE-FOX HILLS HYDROSTRATIGRAPHIC  UNITPIERRE SHALE EXCLUSIVE OF  THE LFH-HU Kp

Kl

LFH-HU

0 1/2 1 MILE0 0.5 1 KILOMETER

0 1/2 1 MILE0 0.5 1 KILOMETER

Figure 16. Hydrogeologic sections E-E’, F-F’, G-G’, and H-H.—Continued
Hydrogeology 31

0 1/2 1 MILE0 0.5 1 KILOMETER

5,5005,4005,3005,2005,1005,000

5,5005,4005,3005,2005,1005,000

FEET FEET

H H'

Kp

VERTICAL EXAGGERATION x 11

EXPLANATION

ALLUVIUMGEOLOGIC MARKER BEDSOIL AND GAS WELL WITH  GEOPHYSICAL LOGMONITORING WELL AT CROSS SECTIONMONITORING WELL EXTRAPOLATED NEAR CROSS SECTION

LARAMIE FORMATION EXCLUSIVE  OF THE LFH-HULARAMIE-FOX HILLS HYDRO- STRATIGRAPHIC UNITPIERRE SHALE EXCLUSIVE  OF THE LFH-HU

Klf17

WINDMILL WELL WR11

 LFH-HU

LFH-HU

Kp

Kl

Kl

Kl

well D18

well D17

well D11a

well D19

Klf19

Klf17

well D22

WR11

BEND IN SECTION

MUDDY CREEK

MUDDY CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN RATTLESNAKE CREEK DRAINAGE BASIN

Top of LFH-HU

water table

? ?

?

?

?

?

?

? ?

?

?

?

? ?

FEET ABOVE NGVD 29

FEET ABOVE NGVD 29

Trace of section shown in figure 15

Figure 16. Hydrogeologic sections E-E’, F-F’, G-G’, and H-H’.—Continued
32 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

large valley, which appears mostly to be incised in the sandstone part of the LFH-HU. The alluvial aquifer associated with 

Muddy Creek probably is hydraulically connected with the 

Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer. The proximity of Muddy Creek to 

the confined part of the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer to the west 

(Robson, 1987) indicates a possible eastward component of 

bedrock ground-water flow toward Muddy Creek (as shown in 

fig. 14). If the confining pressure in the west is sufficient to produce upward vertical flow gradients from the bedrock aquifer 

toward the alluvial aquifer, the bedrock aquifer would not be 

affected by alluvial ground water or by anthropogenic applications such as biosolids in the vicinity of Muddy Creek. However, additional bedrock-aquifer wells would be needed to 

determine whether upward flow gradients are present. Yields 

from Muddy Creek wells D3, D25, D13, D17, and D20 were 

higher than yields from well D21, which was pumped dry during sampling (pumping at about 0.25 gallon per minute for 

about 45 minutes). The lesser yield from well D21 can be 

explained if well D21 is completed in a shaley part of the LFHHU and the other Muddy Creek wells are completed in alluvium 

(D13, D17, D20, and D25) or the sandy part of the LFH-HU 

(D3), as shown in figure 16. 

Section H-H' (fig. 16) shows parts of the Muddy Creek and 

Rattlesnake Creek drainage basins. As mentioned previously, 

Muddy Creek alluvium probably is incised into the sandy part 

of the LFH-HU, whereas the part of Rattlesnake Creek in the 

vicinity of well D22 is incised into the shaley part of the LFHHU. This view of well D22 again supports the ideas that alluvium in the small valley where well D22 is located is thin and 

that this well is completed in the shaley lower part of the bedrock aquifer; streamflow in this small valley could recharge the 

bedrock aquifer and introduce surficial contaminants. The base 

of the alluvium of the valley containing well D18, a dry well, 

probably is above the bedrock aquifer; streamflow in the small 

valley could recharge the bedrock aquifer and introduce surficial contaminants. Well D19 also is completed deeper than the 

probable base of the alluvium and could be completed in the 

bedrock aquifer. The water table could be continuous and 

reflect topography between wells D19 and D22, but few waterlevel data were available for that area. 

Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) data also can be used to evaluate aquifer interaction. CFC data indicate that ground water 

recharges slowly near wells D3, D5, D6, D13, D14, D17, and 

D25, but ground water recharges rapidly near wells D9 and 

D24. If all CFC concentrations are in the dateable range and 

CFC-113 concentrations indicate much younger ages than the 

CFC-11 and CFC-12 data for a single sample, then old, pre1940 water probably is mixing with young, usually post-1940 

water at each site (Plummer and Busenberg, 1999). Of the wells 

where DG-CFC sampling was done in 1998 (table 3), only CFC 

data from well D6 all are in the dateable range and are consistent with binary mixing of young water with old, pre-1940 

water. If old, pre-1940 water mixes with young water that 

recharged after 1950, ratios of the CFC concentrations can be 

used to estimate the age of the young fraction and to determine 

the percentage of young water in the mixture (Plummer and 

Busenberg, 1999). The CFC concentration ratios for the sample 

from well D6 indicate the young fraction makes up at least 50 

percent of the ground-water mixture (table 3). This result is consistent with the short delay between time of precipitation and 

time of recharge indicated by the continuous-recorder data. 

CFC data from wells D3, D9, and D24 are not all in the dateable 

range but indicate possible mixing of old ground water with 

young ground water (table 3). Old ground water probably is 

water from deeper parts of the bedrock or alluvial aquifers and 

is characteristic of long flow paths. Young ground water probably is recharged locally and is characteristic of short flow 

paths. Sampling more wells in the study area for DG-CFC’s 

could further define flow paths and ground-water recharge in 

the study area, and future resampling of some wells for DGCFC’s could confirm apparent ages of ground water and general 

flow paths presented in this report.

Thus, some shallow monitoring wells in the study area 

probably yield water from shallow bedrock, some shallow wells 

yield water from alluvium, and some shallow wells yield 

mixed-aquifer water. Figures 14 and 16 and table 3 indicate 

that, throughout the study area, the bedrock and alluvial aquifers generally are in close hydraulic connection. In some 

valleys, such as those containing wells D18 and D22, alluvial 

aquifers likely are not present or are thin and above the groundwater level of the bedrock aquifer (shown on the far right side 

of figure 14); streamflow or the alluvial aquifer could recharge 

the bedrock aquifer because flow gradients are downward. In 

many valleys, however, the alluvial aquifer likely is within an 

erosional channel incised into the LFH-HU, and the bedrock 

aquifer could recharge the alluvial aquifer where upward flow 

gradients exist. These interpretations indicate that contaminants 

at the land surface could eventually affect water quality in the 

alluvial aquifers and shallow parts of the bedrock aquifer 

recharged by infiltrating precipitation or surface water, but contaminants likely would not affect the deeper parts of the bedrock 

aquifer in the vicinity of the study area. Production wells in the 

bedrock aquifer, however, could induce ground-water flow 

from the alluvial aquifers to the bedrock aquifer and, therefore, 

increase the effect of land-surface contaminants on the bedrock 

aquifer. More detailed hydrologic and geologic information 

would be needed to further define alluvial/bedrock aquifer 

interactions and other components of ground-water flow. 

Summary

The study area is located on the eastern margin of the Denver Basin, a bowl-shaped sequence of sedimentary rocks. In the 

vicinity of the study area, the uppermost rock formations are 

highly eroded and consist of the upper part of the Cretaceousage Pierre Shale, the Fox Hills Sandstone, and the lower part of 

the Laramie Formation. These geologic units were deposited in 

a marine or near-shore environment and comprise the LaramieFox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit (LFH-HU) and, where saturated, the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer. The Laramie-Fox Hills 
Summary 33

aquifer is the only Denver Basin bedrock aquifer present in the 

vicinity of the study area and so is used for domestic supply. 

The LFH-HU is present beneath the entire study area and much 

of the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District (MWRD) properties near Deer Trail and dips about 40 feet per mile to the 

northwest. The LFH-HU is not present in the eastern two-thirds 

of the MWRD’s south property, which is underlain by Pierre 

Shale. The LFH-HU crops out or subcrops in much of the study 

area. 

Within the study area, the LFH-HU does not yield sufficient water throughout to be called an aquifer. Depth to bedrock 

ground water was about 55 feet below land surface at well D9 

in the upper part of the Badger Creek drainage basin, but yield 

from this well was insufficient to consider this ground water an 

aquifer. Where present, the bedrock aquifer generally is unconfined and has little saturated thickness and yield in the study 

area. Two monitoring wells were constructed on hills and were 

completed in the sandstone upper part of the Laramie-Fox Hills 

aquifer. Water levels in these two wells fluctuated about 

0.5 foot or less and were about 110 and 150 feet below land surface during the 11 months of record. Depths to water in these 

wells were the maximum measured in the study area. Potentiometric altitude calculated from water levels in the two monitoring wells was about 5,261 feet above NGVD 29 at well D11a in 

the southern part of the study area and about 5,214 feet above 

NGVD 29 in well D29 in the northern part of the study area. 

Saturated thickness of the upper, more permeable part of the 

Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer was about 5 to 10 feet at these well 

locations; yield was about 0.25 gallon per minute or less. Water 

levels in these wells and other wells completed in the bedrock 

aquifer indicate a component of ground-water flow to the north 

in the study area and recharge to the bedrock aquifer along the 

ridge. Additional wells would be needed to further assess the 

extent of the bedrock aquifer, saturated thickness, and directions of flow in the study area. 

Ground water also is present in shallow parts of the bedrock aquifer or in alluvial aquifers in four drainage basins: Badger Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Muddy Creek, and Rattlesnake 

Creek. These drainage basins generally contained only ephemeral streams, which flowed only after intense rain. Most of the 

precipitation in the study area was in the form of rain and was 

received during late summer. Depth to shallow ground water 

ranged from about 2 feet below land surface at well D23 in the 

alluvium of Muddy Creek to about 37 feet below land surface at 

well D3. Water levels fluctuated more in shallow wells than in 

deep wells. Water levels commonly were lowest during June 

through early July and highest during late July through December. Shallow ground-water levels likely were affected by evapotranspiration, especially during summer. Evapotranspiration 

likely takes place close to wells D2 and D23. Hydrologic data 

indicate that a component of ground-water flow for the shallow 

aquifers is down valleys and generally follows topography. The 

level of shallow ground water of the bedrock aquifer and alluvial aquifers generally represents the water table in the study 

area.

Ground-water recharge of the shallow aquifers is variable 

in space and time. Continuous-recorder data indicate that at 

least some of the shallow ground water is recharged quickly 

after rain—commonly within a day at wells D2 and D23 and 

within months at well D6. The magnitude of water-level 

increases does not always correspond to the amount of rainfall, 

however, because recharge likely depends on preceding moisture conditions in the unsaturated zone. Hydrologic and dissolved-gas data indicate that some areas of the shallow aquifers 

were recharged by infiltration from rain or ponds, whereas other 

areas likely were recharged by other ground water. Chlorofluorocarbon data for selected wells indicate that apparent groundwater ages ranged from 1 year or less at one site (D9) to about 

40 years at another site (D25). 

Interactions of the deeper parts of the bedrock aquifer with 

shallow ground water include a general close hydraulic connection between alluvial and bedrock aquifers. Hydrologic and 

hydrogeologic data for the study area are not sufficient to indicate all specific flow paths between the aquifers but enable 

some general flow-path inferences. These data indicate that 

general ground-water flow paths in the study area could be from 

the deeper parts of the Denver Basin outward toward the basin 

margins, from the bedrock aquifer toward the alluvial aquifers, 

from alluvial aquifers toward the bedrock aquifer, or from the 

land surface downward through the unsaturated zone into the 

bedrock or alluvial aquifers. Where the alluvial aquifer 

recharges the bedrock aquifer, surficial contaminants could be 

transported to the bedrock aquifer. Where the bedrock aquifer 

recharges alluvial aquifers, surficial contaminants are unlikely 

to be transported to the bedrock aquifer. Future production 

wells could reverse the hydraulic gradient between the aquifers, 

however, and increase effects from land-surface contaminants 

on the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer. Some alluvium or streamflow 

in the study area such as near Rattlesnake Creek probably 

recharges the bedrock aquifer, but the bedrock aquifer likely 

provides recharge to the alluvial aquifers associated with 

Muddy Creek and Cottonwood Creek. Chlorofluorocarbon data 

indicate that water follows a long flow path to recharge ground 

water near wells D3, D5, D6, D13, D14, D17, and D25, but follows a short flow path despite a thick unsaturated zone to 

recharge ground water near wells D9 and D24. Old ground 

water apparently is mixing with younger ground water in the 

vicinity of well D6, and possibly at wells D3, D9, and D24. 

More wells in the study area would need to be sampled for dissolved gases and chlorofluorocarbons to further define flow 

paths and ground-water ages in the study area, and resampling 

of some wells in the future would help confirm apparent ages of 

ground water and general flow paths presented in this report. 

These data could be used to better evaluate relative susceptibility of the aquifer to contamination from surface infiltration in 

different parts of the study area.
34 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

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geology: Denver, Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, p. 129–134.

U.S. Geological Survey, 1974, Hydrologic unit map—1974, 

State of Colorado: U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Unit 

Map 1974, scale 1:500,000, 1 sheet.

U.S. Geological Survey, 1976, Arapahoe County, Colorado: 

U.S. Geological Survey County Map Series (Topographic), 

scale 1:50,000, sheet 3 of 3.

U.S. Geological Survey, 1980a, Elbert County, Colorado: 

U.S. Geological Survey County Map Series (Topographic), 

scale 1:50,000, sheet 2 of 3.

U.S. Geological Survey, 1980b, Land use and land cover, 1975, 

Limon, Colorado; Kansas: U.S. Geological Survey Land Use 

Series L–191, scale 1:250,000, 1 sheet.

Van Slyke, George, Romero, John, Moravec, George, and 

Wacinski, Andrew, 1988, Geologic structure, sandstone/siltstone isolith, and location of nontributary ground water for 

the Laramie-Fox Hills aquifer, Denver Basin, Colorado: 

Colorado Division of Water Resources, Denver Basin Atlas 

4 (DBA–4), scale 1:200,000.

Wilson, G.B., and McNeill, G.W., 1997, Noble gas recharge 

temperatures and the excess air component: Applied 

Geochemistry, v. 12, p. 747–762.
Appendixes
38 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99
APPENDIXES 39

Appendix I

Methods of Data Collection and Construction of

Maps and Hydrogeologic Sections
40 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99
APPENDIXES 41

Methods of Data Collection and Construction of Maps and Hydrogeologic Sections

Introduction

Geologic and hydrologic data were collected from the study area during 1993 through 1999. Geologic data in this report include 

lithologic descriptions and core data (Appendix II). Geologic data used but not included in the report consist of geophysical well 

logs from oil and gas exploration and lithologic logs from titanium exploration (these data were not collected by the USGS). The 

information from these logs that was used to make plates 1 and 2 is shown in figure II.7 (Appendix II). Hydrologic data in this

report include ground-water level, precipitation, and water temperature measurements (Appendix II). Data for 

chlorofluorocarbons and dissolved gas in ground water are also included (Appendix II). Methods of data collection followed 

USGS protocols whenever possible.

Geologic Data

Lithologic descriptions (table II.2 in Appendix II) were compiled from driller’s notes prepared during the 1993–95 drilling of the 

monitoring wells, from descriptions of cores or drill cuttings from the boreholes during 1995–97 well drilling, and from 

geologists’ observations of outcrops at the study area in 1997–99. Samples of alluvium from cores obtained when wells D31 and 

D33 were drilled in 1995 were analyzed for texture using a hydrometer at a USGS research laboratory in Denver, Colorado. 

Data for these core samples are listed in table II.4 in Appendix II. Geophysical well logs on file with the Colorado Oil and Gas 

Conservation Commission from oil and gas exploration and lithologic logs from USGS drilling in the vicinity of the study area 

were used to prepare structure-contour maps and hydrogeologic sections (pls. 1–3; figs. 15 and 16). A geophysical well log for 

USGS monitoring well DTX8 (drilled in 1999) also was considered in preparing the structure-contour maps (pls. 1–3; figs. 3 and 

II.7).

Hydrologic Data

Ground-water monitoring wells were constructed according to standard USGS methods. The monitoring wells were surveyed 

thoroughly by professional surveyors to a common vertical datum to enable detailed comparison of water-level altitudes.

Ground-water levels were measured monthly in USGS monitoring wells during 1993–98 using standard USGS methods (Garber 

and Koopman, 1968); data are listed in table II.3 in Appendix II. Monthly water-level measurements were made September 

1993 through May 1995 using a steel tape (Garber and Koopman, 1968, p. 2–6; Driscoll, 1986, p. 549–550). Monthly waterlevel measurements were made June 1995 through September 1998 and in July 1999 using vinyl-coated electric tapes. Waterlevel measuring equipment was checked regularly in the office and compared against each other about once a year in the field as

a measure of variability of the equipment.

Continuous recorders were installed at two well locations (D2 and D23) during 1994 and 1995. Water level was recorded at 

these sites by automatic digital recorders (ADR’s), machines attached to floats (Garber and Koopman, 1968, p. 15) that punched 

a paper tape hourly (Buchanan and Somers, 1982, p. 5–7). The tapes were then read into a computer, which translated the values 

into water-level measurements. In May 1996, the ADR’s were replaced by electric digital recorders (EDR’s). The EDR’s 

enabled multiple parameters to be monitored and logged at the same site, so rain gages were added to the well sites at wells D2

and D23. Precipitation was measured continuously at each EDR site by a tipping-bucket type rain gage mounted on a groundlevel cement pad. A plastic collection-container rain gage (mounted on a 6-foot post) provided a second, discrete measurement 

of rainfall, but these data were recorded manually during site visits. Water level depth (depth below land surface, in feet) was 

determined at each EDR from floats. The EDR’s were upgraded in January 1997 to data-collection platforms (DCP’s), which 

had various sensors to continuously monitor rainfall, air temperature, water temperature, and ground-water levels at the two well 

locations, D2 and D23. The DCP’s provided more extensive information about the hydrology in this area (including the response 

of ground water to climate) and data that could be viewed remotely (such as from the Denver office) to enable enhanced 

troubleshooting of the equipment. Water-level, water temperature, air temperature, and precipitation values were recorded every

hour from the DCP sites during 1997–98. The DCP data were transmitted every 4 hours from satellites to the USGS and were 

available to the public on the Internet. Water level at each DCP site was determined using a submersible pressure transducer 

(Garber and Koopman, 1968, p. 16–18; Driscoll, 1986, p. 552); precipitation was determined using the tipping-bucket rain gage 

and collection-container rain gage. Water temperature was measured continuously at each DCP with a thermistor submersed in 

the well. Air temperature was to be measured by a thermistor enclosed in a heat shield mounted on a post, but these instruments
42 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

malfunctioned and did not provide accurate data. Status of the instrumentation and accuracy relative to manual field 

measurements was checked during onsite visits at least once per month from 1995 through 1998.

Specific conductance and ground-water temperature were continuously monitored at well D6 from 1996 through 1998 by use of 

submersible sensors cabled to a CR-10 data logger. The conductance sensor was calibrated or checked periodically with 

standard solutions. These sensors were inspected during monthly site visits, and data were downloaded approximately monthly 

from the data logger. The resulting data are provided in figures 12 and II.6 (Appendix II). Large periods of missing record in 

these data were the result of flooding in the nearby drainage that also flooded the continuous-recorder instrumentation.

Ground-water sampling of selected wells took place in November 1998 for dissolved gases and chlorofluorocarbons; data are 

listed in tables II.5 and II.6. Equipment and methods used for this sampling are described by Busenberg and others (1999), 

Plummer and Friedman (1999), Stute and others (1992), and Wilson and McNeill (1997). A description of sampling equipment 

and methods, as well as the USGS applications of the resulting data, also are provided on the Internet (http://water.usgs.gov/lab/

cfc/ and http://water.usgs.gov/lab/dissolved-gas/, accessed in January of 2001). These samples were shipped to a USGS research 

laboratory in Virginia for analysis. Data and a calculations spreadsheet containing equations were provided by the research 

laboratory after analysis.

Quality-Assurance Methods

Quality-assurance methods routinely were used by the USGS in the collection of data from the study area. These methods 

included replicate field measurements, checking and calibration of equipment, participation in performance-evaluation 

programs, USGS internal project reviews, and data verification. All equipment was checked regularly and, if calibration was 

possible, calibrated in the field or office. All equipment used to collect study-area data was kept in locked USGS facilities. 

Sharing of this equipment with other sites was minimal to decrease the chance of cross-contamination from other sites.

Maps and Hydrogeologic Sections

Geophysical well logs on file with the State from oil and gas exploration, lithologic logs from titanium exploration and USGS 

drilling, and field observations in the vicinity of the study area were used to prepare the structure-contour maps (pls. 1 and 2) in 

1999. A geophysical well log for USGS monitoring well DTX8 (drilled in 1999) also was considered in preparing the structurecontour maps (pls. 1–3; figs. 3 and II.7). An example of how geophysical well-log data were used in this report is provided in 

plate 3.

Geophysical logs from more than 300 oil and gas wells were interpreted to map the altitudes of the top and the base of the LFHHU in the subsurface at a scale of 1:50,000. The top of the LFH-HU generally is discernible in the geophysical logs for the area 

by a sharp increase in resistivity (pl. 3) that is interpreted to be the top of a thick sandstone sequence in the Fox Hills Sandstone. 

Sharp increases in resistivity above the thick sandstone sequence are interpreted as coal seams and are not mapped as part of the 

LFH-HU. In some places, broad resistivity increases above the thick sandstone sequence are interpreted as discrete channel 

sandstones in the lower Laramie Formation and are included as part of the LFH-HU. The base of the LFH-HU was selected on 

the geophysical logs as the point below which resistivity becomes relatively uniform and low (pl. 3). This point is interpreted as 

the base of the transition zone of the Pierre Shale. Where the LFH-HU is near the land surface and within the interval of the 

well’s surface casing, the LFH-HU is not recorded in the geophysical log because the casing interferes with some types of 

geophysical signals. In these cases, the altitudes of the top and base of the LFH-HU were estimated by correlating marker beds 

below the casing shown on the geophysical logs. The top of the D sandstone member of the Pierre Shale (Kiteley, 1978) was the 

principal marker bed used to estimate the altitude of the LFH-HU (pl. 3). Because of uncertainties associated with mapping the 

LFH-HU in the subsurface and in outcrop, structural contours were drawn for the top and base of the unit by using the 

preponderance of data rather than rigidly honoring every data value.

Inferences from the geophysical logs that were used to construct the structure-contour maps were then field checked in 1999 by 

examining road cuts and outcrops (shown on pl. 2 as a filled triangle symbol) in the vicinity of the study area. The presence of 

thin, discontinuous siltstone and sandstone layers in outcrops were interpreted as part of the Pierre Shale transition zone (part of 

the LFH-HU) and were used to help define the eastern limit of the LFH-HU. The base of the LFH-HU generally was not 

discernible in outcrop because of the transitional nature of the lithology between the LFH-HU and the rest of the underlying 

Pierre Shale. The top of the LFH-HU is easily identifiable in outcrop in some places by a prominent, well-cemented sandstone 

layer that contains abundant trace fossils of burrows and lies below a coal seam. In other places, the top of this unit is not easily 

identifiable because a well-cemented sandstone layer is not evident at the top of the LFH-HU or is present at one or more 

horizons below the top of the LFH-HU. Mapped areas of the LFH-HU, Laramie Formation, and Pierre Shale shown on plate 2 
APPENDIXES 43

include both outcrop areas (no unconsolidated material above the bedrock at the surface) and subcrop areas (unconsolidated 

materials such as loess and alluvium unconformably overlie the bedrock). Outcrop areas were not differentiated from subcrop 

areas for this mapping effort because the presence and thickness of the overlying unconsolidated deposits varied throughout the

mapped area, and subscrop data were limited. Mapped areas of the LFH-HU commonly were defined by intersecting the top and 

base contours of the LFH-HU with the topography of the land surface as represented by county maps (U.S. Geological Survey, 

1976, sheet 3; U.S. Geological Survey, 1980a, sheet 2). Data from lithologic logs of mineral-exploration borings and water 

wells, field observations, and existing geologic maps and reports were correlated to data from geophysical logs to further 

delineate or check mapped outcrop-subcrop areas. The accuracy of the LFH-HU outcrop areas delineated on plates 1 and 2 

generally is limited by the accuracy of the structural contours and the accuracy of the topographic maps used to derive the 

outcrop areas, as well as by the lack of detailed data about occurrence and thickness of loess or alluvial deposits in the vicinity 

of the study area.

Geophysical well logs on file with the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission from oil and gas exploration and 

lithologic logs from USGS drilling in the vicinity of the study area also were used to prepare hydrogeologic sections (figs. 15

and 16). Water levels, screened interval, and lithology for all the USGS monitoring wells were compared with geophysical logs 

from oil and gas wells in the vicinity of the study area. The sandstone-shale boundary observed during drilling of wells D11a 

and D29 was used as the upper marker bed (fig. 16) because this boundary also was apparent on some geophysical logs (pl. 3). 

A sharp increase in the resistivity apparent on most geophysical logs in the lower part of the LFH-HU was used as a second, 

lower marker bed (pl. 3, fig. 16) to project structure across the sections in figure 16. Water-table information shown on these

sections was extrapolated from USGS monitoring-well data (Appendix II). Gaps or queries in the water table shown in figure 16 

resulted from a lack of information in some areas.
44 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99
APPENDIXES 45

Appendix II

Hydrogeologic Data
46 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99
APPENDIXES 47

05

10152025

D17

D19

D16

D15

D23

Precipitation at D23

201510

50

MONTHLY PRECIPITATION, IN INCHES

WATER LEVEL, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE

9/30/1994

4/11/1995

10/30/1995

2/11/1996

7/3/1996

12/3/1996

5/8/1997

10/2/1997

3/4/1998

8/4/1998

Precipitation, in inches, at D23

D15 D16 D17D19D23

EXPLANATION

Water level, in feet below land surface

Figure II.1. Monthly water levels and precipitation for wells along Muddy Creek near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.
48 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

05

10152025

201510

50

D30

D31

D6

D2

D5

Precipitation at D2

Precipitation, in inches, at D2

D2 D30 D31D5D6

EXPLANATION

MONTHLY PRECIPITATION, IN INCHES

WATER LEVEL, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE

/28/1993 9

/20/1995 3

9/27/1995

2/6/1996

7/3/1996

996 12/3/1

5/8/1997

10/2/1997

3/4/1998

8/4/1998

Water level, in feet below land surface

Figure II.2. Monthly water levels and precipitation for wells along Cottonwood Creek near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.
APPENDIXES 49

Precipitation at D2

D4

D32 D26

D12

864

141210

20

D9

203040506070

D3

D3 D4 D9 D12D26D32

9/28/1993

3/20/1995

9/20/1995

2/6/1996

6/13/1996

10/3/1996

4/7/1997

8/25/1997

2/12/1998

7/16/1998

Precipitation, in inches, at D2

EXPLANATION

Water level, in feet below land surface

MONTHLY PRECIPITATION, IN INCHES

WATER LEVEL, IN FEET BELOW LAND SURFACE

Figure II.3. Monthly water levels for deeper wells and precipitation near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.
50 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

789

1011

9

1413121110

0

2.01.51.00.5

1995 1996 1997 1998

1995 1996 1997 1998

1995 1996 1997 1998

DAILY MAXIMUM DEPTH TO WATER DAILY MAXIMUM WATER TEMPERATUREAPPROXIMATE DAILY TOTAL PRECIPITATION

PRECIPITATION,

IN INCHES

WATER 

TEMPERATURE, IN 

DEGREES CELSIUS

DEPTH TO WATER

BELOW LAND 

SURFACE, IN FEET

Figure II.4. Continuous water-level, ground-water-temperature, and precipitation data for well D2 near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1995–98. 
APPENDIXES 51

DAILY MAXIMUM DEPTH TO WATER DAILY MAXIMUM WATER TEMPERATUREAPPROXIMATE DAILY TOTAL PRECIPITATION

1995 1996 1997 1998

12345

1995 1996 1997 1998

987

121110

1995 1996 1997 1998 0

2.01.51.00.5

PRECIPITATION,

IN INCHES

WATER 

TEMPERATURE, IN 

DEGREES CELSIUS

DEPTH TO WATER

BELOW LAND 

SURFACE, IN FEET

Figure II.5. Continuous water-level, ground-water-temperature, and precipitation data for well D23 near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1995–98. 
52 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99 15,600 15,500 15,400 15,300 15,200 15,100 15,000

9

1413121110

0

2.01.51.00.5

1996

1996

1996

DAILY MAXIMUM SPECIFIC CONDUCTANCE AT WELL D6

DAILY MAXIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE AT WELL D6

APPROXIMATE DAILY TOTAL PRECIPITATION AT WELL D2

1997 1998

1997 1998

1997 1998

SPECIFIC 

CONDUCTANCE, IN

MICROSIEMENS PER

CENTIMETER AT 25

DEGREES CELSIUS WATER 

TEMPERATURE, IN

DEGREES CELSIUS

PRECIPITATION,

IN INCHES

Figure II.6. Continuous-recorder specific-conductance and ground-water-temperature data for well D6 and precipitation for well D2 near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1996–98. 
APPENDIXES 53

Figure II.7. Data used to map the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit near Deer Trail, Colorado (plates 1 and 2).

[Marker bed, top of D Sandstone member of Pierre Shale; LFH-HU, Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit;Format of location, 4-57-35 -- Township 4 South, Range 57 West, Section 35; A, NE l/4; B, NW l/4; C, SW l/4; D, SE l/4; ft, feet; KB, Kelly Bushing; GL, Ground Level; RP, Reference Point; altitude is in feet above NGVD 29].

DATA FROM GEOPHYSICAL LOGS

GL

(ft above

NGVD 29)

KB

(ft above

NGVD 29)

 Marker

bed depth

(ft below

RP)

 Marker

bed altitude 

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

 Base 

LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

 Base 

LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

Top LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

Top LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD29) Well name Location RP

5-58-14BA 5079 5090 KB 620 4470 96 4994 Jolly "D"5-58-15AB 5255 5263 KB 835 4428 303 4960 UPRR Bixler #15-58-15BB 5264 5277 KB 842 4435 327 4950 #1UPRR-Rudolf5-58-18CC 5277 5287 KB 910 4377 390 4897 75 5212 Monnahan #15-58-18CD 5223 5232 KB 845 4387 334 4898 19 5213 Monnahan #24-185-58-19BA 5233 5242 KB 840 4402 340 4902 25 5217 UPRR Monnahan #15-58-19BC 5279 5289 KB 885 4404 377 4912 62 5227 UPRR Monnahan #25-58-19BA 5216 5227 KB 820 4407 310 4917 #1 Trout5-58-19AB 5173 5182 KB 770 4412 266 4916 UPRR Trout #1 (Tiger)5-58-19CA 5220 5227 KB 800 4427 305 4922 UPRR Trout #1 (Sun)5-58-19DA 5206 5216 KB 770 4446 280 4936 UPRR Trout #15-58-24CD 5058 5068 KB 520 4548 15 5053 Wood Yager #15-58-26AA 5156 5167 KB 600 4567 96 5071 #1 Mace5-58-27CC 5267 5278 KB 735 4543 241 5037 #1 UPRR Jolly5-58-27DD 5283 5291 KB 740 4551 243 5048 UPRR Jolly B-15-58-29CC 5268 5278 KB 775 4503 292 4986 #1 UP Davies5-58-32DD 5350 5361 KB 815 4546 345 5016 #1 Davies5-58-35AB 5136 5145 KB 585 4560 80 5065 #1 UPRR-Jolly

6-58-5DD 5338 5349 KB 770 4579 300 5049 #1 UPRR-Davies

6-58-12CC 5256 5265 KB 560 4705 105 5160 Jolly #1

5-59-1BB 5213 5223 KB 964 4259 430 4793 90 5133 No.1-1 UPRR-Bixler5-59-5CC 5264 5271 KB 1060 4211 552 4719 237 5034 No.1-5 UPRR Deter5-59-5DC 5214 5226 KB 1007 4219 500 4726 180 5046 No.1-5 Amoco UPRR5-59-6BB 5188 5198 KB 1030 4168 529 4669 220 4978 No.1-B Hanks5-59-7BB 5278 5288 KB 1090 4198 600 4688 290 4998 UPRR #1 Turecek5-59-4AA 5282 5292 KB 1059 4233 540 4752 212 5080 Van Matre #1

5-59-15CD 5400 5410 KB 1112 4298 620 4790 298 5112 #1 UPRR Le Valley5-59-15BB 5386 5396 KB 1125 4271 622 4774 309 5087 Amoco Le Valley #15-59-18AA 5331 5341 KB 1126 4215 630 4711 310 5031 Turecek No.15-59-20AA 5354 5364 KB 1102 4262 615 4749 279 5085 No.1A Turecek et al.

5-59-21DD 5363 5373 KB 1055 4318 571 4802 252 5121 Henry Deter No.15-59-22DC 5389 5400 KB 1074 4326 590 4810 270 5130 No.1 Turecek

Well ID

Klf1Klf2

Klf3 Klf4 Klf5 Klf6 Klf7 Klf8 

Klf9

Klf10 Klf11 Klf12 

Klf13

Klf14 

Klf15Klf16

Klf17 

Klf18Klf19

Klf20 

Klf22Klf23Klf24Klf25

Klf26Klf27Klf28Klf29

Klf30Klf31Klf32Klf33
54 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99 5-59-22CA 5367 5377 KB 1060 4317 572 4805 252 5125 Okada-Turecek #1 5-59-24AD 5277 5286 KB 890 4396 384 4902 84 5202 Trout #1 5-59-24CC 5341 5348 KB 1005 4343 512 4836 170 5178 Tom Wall No.1-24 5-59-22AAA 5345 -- GL 1011 4334 522 4823 208 5137 Deter #1 5-59-25CC 5409 5419 KB 980 4439 502 4917 187 5232 #1 UPRR Davies 5-59-27BC 5425 5436 KB 1106 4330 626 4810 303 5133 Wall-Champlin #1 5-59-27DB 5454 5463 KB 1084 4379 613 4850 290 5173 33-27 Tom Wall 5-59-28A 5358 5369 KB 1052 4317 573 4796 247 5122 No.1 Wall 5-59-30AA 5239 5246 KB 968 4278 505 4741 200 5046 Martyn James #1 5-59-30CC 5223 5233 KB 980 4253 516 4717 210 5023 No.1 Vest 5-59-31BC 5272 5282 KB 1014 4268 560 4722 253 5029 UPRR Martyn No.1 5-59-32CC 5234 5240 KB 917 4323 472 4768 162 5078 Ballard 1-32 4-58-1DDD 4981 4991 KB 650 4341 76 4915 #1 U.P. Jolly 4-58-1AA 4944 4948 KB 627 4321 45 4903 Champlin UPRR #1-1 4-58-1CC 5062 5070 KB 747 4323 160 4910 UPRR Roy #1 4-58-2AA 5006 5016 KB 710 4306 135 4881 Axtell #1 4-58-3DB 4883 4891 KB 597 4294 20 4871 UPRR Jolly #1 4-58-3CC 4895 4902 KB 610 4292 35 4867 UPRR #B-1 4-58-3DD 4886 4893 KB 597 4296 15 4878 #2-B UPRR

4-58-3CB 4907 4917 KB 635 4282 65 4852 #1 Jolly Ranch UPRR

4-58-3BBD 4950 4960 KB 685 4275 115 4845 #3 UPRR Jolly

4-58-3BA 4948 4958 KB 675 4283 120 4838 #4 UPRR Jolly4-58-4AD 4975 4983 KB 710 4273 140 4843 #1 Schultz Assoc.4-58-8BB 5093 5102 KB 847 4255 305 4797 Axtell #1-84-58-6CA 5165 5175 KB 930 4245 390 4785 25 5150 Angela 6-14-58-9AB 4921 4930 KB 635 4295 80 4850 #1 UPRR Jolly 

4-58-10BA 4917 4925 KB 630 4295 55 4870 Wanda #14-58-10CC 5018 5028 KB 715 4313 148 4880 Will Jolly #14-58-10AB 4925 4933 KB 623 4310 53 4880 Wanda Jolly #14-58-11BC 4867 4877 GL 563 4304 Union Pacific #14-58-12BD 5036 5047 KB 715 4332 140 4907 #22-12 London Co.4-58-15DD 4944 4949 KB 630 4319 55 4894 UPRR Janice #14-58-15BA 4994 5002 KB 685 4317 120 4882 Janice UPRR #2

Klf34Klf35Klf36Klf37

Klf38Klf39

Klf40Klf41Klf42Klf43Klf44Klf45

Klf46Klf47Klf48Klf49Klf50Klf51Klf52Klf53Klf54Klf55Klf56Klf57Klf58Klf59Klf60Klf61Klf62Klf63Klf64Klf65Klf66

Figure II.7. Data used to map the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit near Deer Trail, Colorado (plates 1 and 2).–Continued

[Marker bed, top of D Sandstone member of Pierre Shale; LFH-HU, Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit;Format of location, 4-57-35 -- Township 4 South, Range 57 West, Section 35; A, NE l/4; B, NW l/4; C, SW l/4; D, SE l/4; ft, feet; KB, Kelly Bushing; GL, Ground Level; RP, Reference Point; altitude is in feet above NGVD 29].

GL

(ft above

NGVD 29)

KB

(ft above

NGVD 29)

 Marker

bed depth

(ft below

RP)

 Marker

bed altitude 

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

 Base 

LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

 Base 

LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

Top LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

Top LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD29) Well name Location RP Well ID

DATA FROM GEOPHYSICAL LOGS
APPENDIXES 55

DATA FROM GEOPHYSICAL LOGS

4-58-16CC 5088 5096 KB 800 4296 235 4861 State "A-H" #14-58-18CC 5211 5221 KB 992 4229 445 4776 80 5141 Bixler #14-58-19CD 5194 5204 KB 982 4222 430 4774 50 5154 #1-19 UPRR Bixler4-58-20DB 5123 5132 KB 850 4282 290 4842 Dave Jolly #14-58-22BB 4962 4969 KB 650 4319 75 4894 #4-22 Jolly4-58-25DC 5017 5028 KB 620 4408 50 4978 #592-1 Juniper UPRR4-58-26AA 5093 5101 KB 745 4356 155 4946 Rhodes "A" #14-58-26CC 5079 5086 KB 733 4353 160 4926 Rhodes #1-264-58-30CC 5221 5230 KB 965 4265 422 4808 57 5173 Lundgren #1-304-58-33BB 5093 5103 KB 803 4300 242 4861 #1 UP Jolly 4-58-35DC 5062 5073 KB 690 4383 130 4943 592-1 Pine UPRR4-58-35DD 5043 5051 KB 667 4384 107 4944 UPRR #24-58-36CA 5025 5031 KB 635 4396 75 4956 State #24-58-36DD 4970 4979 KB 565 4414 5 4974 State #14-58-36CB 5073 5081 KB 688 4393 128 4953 #3 State4-58-36CC 5004 5014 KB 622 4392 62 4952 #1 State 

4-59-1CC 5151 5161 KB 945 4216 420 4741 55 5106 UPRR Montgomery 2-14-59-1DD 5190 5200 KB 970 4230 435 4765 70 5130 UPRR Montgomery 1-14-59-2CB 5074 5080 KB 888 4192 373 4707 63 5017 #2 Montgomery4-59-1BD 5144 5154 KB 922 4232 400 4754 80 5074 22-1 Downing4-59-2CD 5064 5070 KB 865 4205 350 4720 35 5035 #3-2 Montgomery4-59-2AA 5133 5142 KB 946 4196 426 4716 61 5081 Linnebur #1-2

5-59-34BA 5400 5411 KB 1044 4367 582 4829 257 5154 Tom Wall No.1

4-59-5DB 5043 5053 KB 928 4125 424 4629 84 4969 #33-5 UPRR Koepke4-59-6BD 5069 5079 KB 986 4093 489 4590 Mary Healey #2

6-58-16AA 5332 5338 KB 698 4640 245 5093 #1 State 

4-58-15AC 4935 4945 KB 625 4320 50 4895 Nickell #14-58-16AC 5049 5059 KB 770 4289 195 4864 State #1-16

6-58-19DC 5517 5528 KB 894 4634 435 5093 140 5388 #1UPRR Walter6-58-22CC 5352 5358 KB 651 4707 214 5144 #1 Jolly

Figure II.7. Data used to map the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit near Deer Trail, Colorado (plates 1 and 2).–Continued

Klf67Klf68Klf69Klf70Klf71Klf72Klf73Klf74Klf75Klf76Klf77Klf78Klf79Klf80Klf81Klf82Klf83Klf84Klf85Klf86Klf87Klf88Klf89

Klf90Klf91Klf92Klf93Klf94Klf95Klf96

[Marker bed, top of D Sandstone member of Pierre Shale; LFH-HU, Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit;Format of location, 4-57-35 -- Township 4 South, Range 57 West, Section 35; A, NE l/4; B, NW l/4; C, SW l/4; D, SE l/4; ft, feet; KB, Kelly Bushing; GL, Ground Level; RP, Reference Point; altitude is in feet above NGVD 29].

GL

(ft above

NGVD 29)

KB

(ft above

NGVD 29)

 Marker

bed depth

(ft below

RP)

 Marker

bed altitude 

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

 Base 

LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

 Base 

LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

Top LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

Top LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD29) Well name Location RP Well ID
56 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99 DATA FROM GEOPHYSICAL LOGS 6-58-23CD 5297 5306 KB 590 4716 120 5186 #1-A UPRR Jolly 6-58-35DC 5551 5560 KB 762 4798 345 5215 10 5550 #1-B UPRR, J.B. Jolly 6-59-3CC 5336 5348 KB 886 4462 452 4896 152 5196 UPRC-So. Deertrail #1 6-59-4DD 5361 5371 KB 929 4442 490 4881 190 5181 #1 Blair 6-59-6CC 5426 5434 KB 1103 4331 673 4761 370 5064 Pisel #6-13 4-59-2BB 5063 5072 KB 889 4183 375 4697 65 5007 No. 2-2 Linnebur 4-59-2DB 5103 5109 KB 900 4209 380 4729 65 5044 EDH Ltd #1 Montgomery 4-59-3AA 5075 5085 KB 904 4181 391 4694 26 5059 Poncho #19 4-59-3CB 5028 5038 KB 882 4156 369 4669 UPRR #64 Amoco #1 4-59-3BA 5023 5032 KB 864 4168 356 4676 56 4976 UPRR Price #4-3 4-59-3AB 5058 5067 KB 892 4175 378 4689 78 4989 No.1 Richard Price 31-3 4-59-3BD 4992 5001 KB 838 4163 327 4674 Price No. 3-3 4-59-3AD 5075 5084 KB 903 4181 387 4697 22 5062 #2 Rich. Price Jr.#42-3 4-59-3CD 4995 5003 KB 828 4175 315 4688 UPRR-Price #5-3 4-59-3BB 4989 4997 KB 844 4153 332 4665 #1-3 UPRR Price 4-59-4DD 5056 5063 KB 904 4159 393 4670 88 4975 Noonen et al 1-4x 4-59-4DA 5009 5022 KB 861 4161 358 4664 58 4964 Poncho #17 4-59-4CC 5096 5103 KB 948 4155 445 4658 105 4998 M. Cronk et. al. #1-4 4-59-4DC 5039 5046 KB 880 4166 374 4672 69 4977 Cronk No.2-4

4-59-4DB 5040 5049 KB 898 4151 397 4652 37 5012 No. 3-4 Cronk

4-59-4AD 5022 5031 KB 881 4150 374 4657 74 4957 Noonen et. al. #2-44-59-5CB 5068 5081 KB 977 4104 478 4603 153 4928 UP-Amoco-Koepke 5-124-59-6AA 5040 5050 KB 970 4080 475 4575 155 4895 Linnebur Bros. #14-59-6AD 5065 5075 KB 985 4090 485 4590 Linnebur Bros. #24-59-6BC 5087 5093 KB 1007 4086 510 4583 200 4893 Healey #14-59-6BB 5077 5087 KB 1005 4082 509 4578 199 4888 #2 Healey4-59-6DC 5054 5060 KB 960 4100 460 4600 145 4915 #1 Amoco Hinch4-59-6DB 5041 5047 KB 957 4090 460 4587 150 4897 #1-6 Koepke-Hinch4-59-6DA 5076 5082 KB 990 4092 491 4591 181 4901 #1-A-6 Koepke-Hinch4-59-6AC 5028 5034 KB 942 4092 450 4584 140 4894 EDH Ltd #1-6 Linnebur4-59-6BA 5069 5075 KB 982 4093 485 4590 Mary Healey #14-59-6CC 5101 5110 KB 1011 4099 510 4600 Linnebur #14-59-7BD 5078 5084 KB 961 4123 456 4628 146 4938 #1-7 Amoco-Koepke

Klf97Klf98Klf99

Klf100

Klf101Klf102Klf103Klf105Klf106Klf107Klf108Klf109Klf110Klf111Klf112Klf113Klf114Klf115Klf116Klf117Klf118Klf119Klf120Klf121Klf122Klf123Klf124Klf125Klf126Klf127Klf128Klf129Klf130

Figure II.7. Data used to map the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit near Deer Trail, Colorado (plates 1 and 2).–Continued

[Marker bed, top of D Sandstone member of Pierre Shale; LFH-HU, Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit;Format of location, 4-57-35 -- Township 4 South, Range 57 West, Section 35; A, NE l/4; B, NW l/4; C, SW l/4; D, SE l/4; ft, feet; KB, Kelly Bushing; GL, Ground Level; RP, Reference Point; altitude is in feet above NGVD 29].

GL

(ft above

NGVD 29)

KB

(ft above

NGVD 29)

 Marker

bed depth

(ft below

RP)

 Marker

bed altitude 

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

 Base 

LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

 Base 

LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

Top LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

Top LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD29) Well name Location RP Well ID
APPENDIXES 57

DATA FROM GEOPHYSICAL LOGS

4-59-9AD 5049 5058 KB 881 4177 365 4693 65 4993 UPRR Harry Hanks 42-94-59-9BB 5101 5111 KB 950 4161 443 4668 123 4988 Hanks #2-94-59-9AB 5055 5062 KB 889 4173 377 4685 77 4985 Champlin H. Hanks 31-96-59-9CA 5293 5297 KB 844 4453 412 4885 107 5190 UPRR No. 9-1

6-59-11AA 5542 5553 KB 1032 4521 594 4959 270 5283 #1 Miller6-59-12CC 5516 5525 KB 975 4550 547 4978 237 5288 #12-13 Butter-Purdy6-59-15BB 5333 5344 KB 846 4498 417 4927 84 5260 #1UPRR Kellog6-59-16DD 5353 5365 KB 875 4490 420 4945 128 State # 1-16

6-59-18BB 5415 5422 KB 1032 4390 580 4842 310 5112 #1 Wall-State6-59-23AA 5378 5389 KB 810 4579 379 5010 69 5320 #1 UPRR-Flack6-59-24CD 5427 5436 KB 839 4597 377 5059 90 5346 Butler-Prudy #16-59-28DD 5414 5424 KB 858 4566 410 5014 130 5294 #1 Hamacher N. Drlg.6-59-30AA 5548 5558 KB 1070 4488 641 4917 360 5198 #1 Rector6-59-31AA 5587 5598 KB 1081 4517 650 4948 377 5221 #1 UPRR Geesen6-59-32DD 5455 5464 KB 909 4555 473 4991 198 5266 Woodard No.16-59-36CC 5407 5415 KB 754 4661 320 5095 50 5365 #1 State Monks4-59-25CC 5084 5091 KB 859 4232 321 4770 Bixler #1-254-59-25CA 5146 5156 KB 920 4236 378 4778 14 5142 25-1 Amoco UPRC Price

4-59-26BBA 5146 5153 KB 928 4225 401 4752 68 5085 Gould #1

4-59-28DA 5259 5270 KB 1059 4211 540 4730 195 5075 Arco N. Deer Trail #14-59-29DD 5176 5186 KB 981 4205 476 4710 UPRR #56 Pan Am "C"4-59-30CC 5243 5253 KB 1095 4158 594 4659 274 4979 Trustee #1 Deter4-59-32DC 5300 5306 KB 1103 4203 592 4714 252 5054 #1 Deter Smith4-59-33CD 5273 5279 KB 1055 4224 546 4733 216 5063 EDH Ltd#1 Amoco Hanks4-59-36BA 5088 5096 KB 850 4246 317 4779 Koenig Exeter #1 State

4-57-4AA 4874 4883 KB 521 4362 Cronk No. 1-44-57-8CC 5016 5026 KB 659 4367 84 4942 Tiger Oil Co. No.1-8 Lloyd4-57-9CA 5000 5008 KB 638 4370 63 4945 UPRR Cronk #84-57-9AB 4982 4990 KB 618 4372 43 4947 UPRR Cronk#1-A

4-59-8AAC 5079 5089 KB 925 4164 423 4666 93 4996 Koepke #1

4-59-9CB 5092 5100 KB 930 4170 420 4680 65 5035 UPRR Hanks #1-9

4-57-17DC 4929 4935 KB 553 4382 UPRR Koepke #14-57-18DB 4956 4967 KB 603 4364 28 4939 #33-18 Linnebur

Klf131Klf132Klf133Klf134Klf135Klf136Klf137Klf138Klf139Klf140Klf141Klf142Klf143Klf144Klf145Klf146Klf147Klf148Klf156

Klf157

Klf158Klf159Klf160Klf161Klf162Klf163Klf164Klf165Klf166Klf167Klf168Klf169Klf170

Figure II.7. Data used to map the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit near Deer Trail, Colorado (plates 1 and 2).–Continued

[Marker bed, top of D Sandstone member of Pierre Shale; LFH-HU, Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit;Format of location, 4-57-35 -- Township 4 South, Range 57 West, Section 35; A, NE l/4; B, NW l/4; C, SW l/4; D, SE l/4; ft, feet; KB, Kelly Bushing; GL, Ground Level; RP, Reference Point; altitude is in feet above NGVD 29].

GL

(ft above

NGVD 29)

KB

(ft above

NGVD 29)

 Marker

bed depth

(ft below

RP)

 Marker

bed altitude 

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

 Base 

LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

 Base 

LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

Top LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

Top LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD29) Well name Location RP Well ID
58 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99 DATA FROM GEOPHYSICAL LOGS 4-57-19DDD 4887 4894 KB 483 4411 UPRR #A-1 4-57-20DC 4908 4918 KB 498 4420 #1 Hollingsworth 4-57-20AC 4901 4907 KB 506 4401 Walter Monnahan #1 4-57-29DD 4948 4957 KB 504 4453 #1 UPRR Hollingsworth 4-57-30DA 4925 4934 KB 497 4437 Rhodes No.1 4-57-31DD 5023 5032 KB 598 4434 38 4994 UPRR Davids Jolly #1 4-57-32BD 4958 4966 KB 530 4436 Jolly No.1 4-59-9DD 5103 5111 KB 925 4186 410 4701 50 5061 UPRR Hanks #4-9 4-59-9BB 5101 5114 KB 953 4161 446 4668 116 4998 UP Amoco Hanks 9-4 4-59-10AB 5003 5011 KB 825 4186 311 4700 #1-10 Price 4-59-10ADC 5013 5023 KB 820 4203 302 4721 #1 Devon Price 4-59-10CD 5103 5109 KB 918 4191 410 4699 45 5064 Baughman Farms #2 4-59-10BB 5075 5085 KB 914 4171 399 4686 87 4998 Winter #1 4-59-11CCC 5029 5039 KB 839 4200 320 4719 #1 UPRR Noonan 4-59-11BB 5042 5051 KB 847 4204 330 4721 #1 Amoco UPRR N. Price 4-59-16BD 5093 5103 KB 918 4185 406 4697 66 5037 State #16-6 4-59-16AB 5072 5081 KB 900 4181 385 4696 Colorado 16-4-59 4-59-16ACD 5090 5102 KB 917 4185 405 4697 79 5023 State Hanks #32-16 4-59-16DD 5152 5159 KB 970 4189 453 4706 108 5051 #1 State 4-59-17CB 5154 5164 KB 998 4166 490 4674 175 4989 #1-17 UPRR Amoco

4-59-18AC 5170 5177 KB 1054 4123 552 4625 242 4935 Koepke hinch 1-184-59-18BA 5116 5126 KB 995 4131 495 4631 Emma Koepke Hinch #14-59-18CA 5184 5194 KB 1061 4133 555 4639 245 4949 Koepke Hinch #2-184-59-20BB 5193 5202 KB 1040 4162 533 4669 200 5002 Kalcevic Farms #1-204-59-20CD 5233 5242 KB 1064 4178 556 4686 225 5017 Kalcevic Farms #3-204-59-20AA 5164 5171 KB 993 4178 488 4683 162 5009 Kalcevic Farms 2-204-59-20BD 5230 5242 KB 1055 4187 543 4699 217 5025 Kalcevic 22-20

5-58-1DA 5071 5082 KB 650 4432 105 4977 #1-1 UPRR5-58-1BB 5057 5063 KB 664 4399 109 4954 #1 UPRR5-58-2AB 5146 5158 KB 766 4392 210 4948 #1 Blackburn-Jolly5-58-3DA 5213 5222 KB 842 4380 291 4931 UPRR Jolly #15-58-6DB 5164 5174 KB 874 4300 330 4844 Weisensee 33-65-58-6CC 5151 5162 KB 878 4284 340 4822 Weisnee #1

5-58-13DD 4965 4975 KB 450 4525 #1-A UPRR Jolly

Klf171Klf172Klf173Klf174Klf175Klf176Klf177Klf181Klf182Klf183Klf184Klf185Klf186Klf187Klf188Klf189Klf190Klf191Klf192Klf193Klf194Klf195Klf196Klf197Klf198Klf199Klf200Klf201Klf202Klf203Klf204Klf205

Klf206Klf207

Figure II.7. Data used to map the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit near Deer Trail, Colorado (plates 1 and 2).– Continued

[Marker bed, top of D Sandstone member of Pierre Shale; LFH-HU, Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit;Format of location, 4-57-35 -- Township 4 South, Range 57 West, Section 35; A, NE l/4; B, NW l/4; C, SW l/4; D, SE l/4; ft, feet; KB, Kelly Bushing; GL, Ground Level; RP, Reference Point; altitude is in feet above NGVD 29].

GL

(ft above

NGVD 29)

KB

(ft above

NGVD 29)

 Marker

bed depth

(ft below

RP)

 Marker

bed altitude 

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

 Base 

LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

 Base 

LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

Top LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

Top LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD29) Well name Location RP Well ID
APPENDIXES 59

DATA FROM GEOPHYSICAL LOGS

5-57-5CD 4956 4966 KB 470 4496 #1 UPRR Jolly

5-57-18AB 4947 4958 KB 423 4535 Jolly "E" #15-57-31BB 5020 5029 KB 412 4617 A-1 David Jolly

7-58-5AA 5540 5551 KB 820 4731 380 5171 92 5459 #1 UPRR Butler7-58-7AB 5468 5477 KB 751 4726 316 5161 38 5439 Peppel #31 x-77-59-4DD 5527 5534 KB 928 4606 500 5034 222 5312 No.1 Geesen State7-59-5CC 5636 5646 KB 1096 4550 669 4977 400 5246 #1-5 Champlin-Geesen7-59-8DD 5609 5618 KB 1030 4588 610 5008 335 5283 State #44-8

7-59-14CC 5430 5440 KB 748 4692 330 5110 55 5385 #1-14 Monks7-58-24AA 5427 5435 KB 511 4924 80 5355 Butler State #17-58-21DD 5682 5691 KB 840 4851 415 5276 135 5556 UPRR No.44-214-57-29BB 4911 4919 KB 502 4417 Hollingsworth UPRR #14-57-30BD 4944 4956 KB 532 4424 22-30 Kalcevick4-57-31AB 4993 5003 KB 567 4436 #1 UPRR Jolly

4-57-32ADB 4927 4936 KB 490 4446 Jolly No.15-57-17DDD 4991 5002 KB 433 4569 #1 UP David Jolly

5-57-31BD 5017 5028 KB 394 4634 #1 Wootten-Champlin 6-316-57-34BD 5163 5169 KB 270 4899 Jolly #J-17-57-24AA 5470 5479 KB 393 5086 1-B Higgins7-57-34AD 5871 5880 KB 830 5050 378 5502 108 5772 Higgins #42-347-58-18AA 5497 5507 KB 740 4767 309 5198 30 5477 #1 Engel7-58-22DA 5487 5496 KB 646 4850 216 5280 State #43-227-58-26BA 5555 5563 KB 668 4895 242 5321 State Beaver #26-217-58-36CD 5621 5630 KB 671 4959 251 5379 State #24-367-59-16CC 5611 5619 KB 983 4636 572 5047 300 5319 #1 Geesen State7-59-25DD 5489 5496 KB 760 4736 345 5151 54 5442 #1-25 Champlin-Williams7-59-27DD 5487 5497 KB 800 4697 394 5103 110 5387 UPRR Mathews #17-60-23DD 5704 5711 KB 1164 4547 750 4961 489 5222 Kickapoo Land Co. 44-23

5-57-3AA 4851 4860 KB 334 4526 UPRR Frasier Farms 1-3

5-57-10AA 4891 4901 KB 325 4576 #1 Frasier Farms5-57-12CC 4909 4918 KB 282 4636 Frasier Farms No.15-57-20DA 4993 5003 KB 378 4625 Jolly #1

Klf208Klf209Klf210Klf243Klf244Klf245Klf247Klf249Klf250Klf251Klf252Klf301Klf302Klf303Klf304Klf305Klf306Klf307Klf309Klf310Klf311Klf312Klf313Klf314Klf315Klf316Klf317Klf318Klf329Klf330Klf331Klf332

Figure II.7. Data used to map the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit near Deer Trail, Colorado (plates 1 and 2).–Continued

[Marker bed, top of D Sandstone member of Pierre Shale; LFH-HU, Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit;Format of location, 4-57-35 -- Township 4 South, Range 57 West, Section 35; A, NE l/4; B, NW l/4; C, SW l/4; D, SE l/4; ft, feet; KB, Kelly Bushing; GL, Ground Level; RP, Reference Point; altitude is in feet above NGVD 29].

GL

(ft above

NGVD 29)

KB

(ft above

NGVD 29)

 Marker

bed depth

(ft below

RP)

 Marker

bed altitude 

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

 Base 

LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

 Base 

LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

Top LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

Top LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD29) Well name Location RP Well ID
60 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99 DATA FROM GEOPHYSICAL LOGS

Source: Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission except for DTX8, which is from U.S. Geological Survey

5-57-27AA 4999 5008 KB 325 4683 #2 UPRR Jolly5-57-28BC 4973 4982 KB 327 4655 Dave Jolly Jr. #15-57-35CC 5036 5045 KB 260 4785 #1 James "B" Jolly5-57-36AA 4997 5006 KB 224 4782 State No.1

4-57-1BA 4833 4840 KB 433 4407 UPRR Miller #14-57-2AA 4878 4887 KB 503 4384 Jolly #44-57-2BC 4943 4955 KB 572 4383 Bohan #12-24-57-3DB 4937 4947 KB 568 4379 UPRC Linnebur 33-34-57-3BD 4898 4904 KB 538 4366 UPRR Jolly #2-3

4-57-3DDD 4930 4939 KB 540 4399 UPRR #14-57-12CC 4811 4821 KB 381 4440 #12-13 Davison4-57-14BB 4849 4859 KB 420 4439 #1 Wagner4-57-15CB 4927 4937 KB 518 4419 Amoco Champlin 1-154-57-16BC 4903 4909 KB 531 4378 State of Colorado No.14-57-21CC 4901 4911 KB 476 4435 #1 U.P. Railroad4-57-22AB 4845 4853 KB 400 4453 D.M. Hand #14-57-27DD 4844 4852 KB 375 4477 UPRR Cronk No. 27-24-57-34CB 4883 4891 KB 415 4476 Jolly No. 34-14-57-35BD 4823 4832 KB 316 4516 UPRR Frasier Farms 1

Klf333Klf334Klf335Klf336Klf338Klf339Klf340Klf341Klf342Klf343Klf344Klf345Klf346Klf347Klf348Klf349Klf350Klf351Klf352

DTX8 4-59-25BB 5071 GL USGS monitoring well DTX8

Figure II.7. Data used to map the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit near Deer Trail, Colorado (plates 1 and 2).–Continued

[Marker bed, top of D Sandstone member of Pierre Shale; LFH-HU, Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit;Format of location, 4-57-35 -- Township 4 South, Range 57 West, Section 35; A, NE l/4; B, NW l/4; C, SW l/4; D, SE l/4; ft, feet; KB, Kelly Bushing; GL, Ground Level; RP, Reference Point; altitude is in feet above NGVD 29].

GL

(ft above

NGVD 29)

KB

(ft above

NGVD 29)

 Marker

bed depth

(ft below

RP)

 Marker

bed altitude 

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

 Base 

LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

 Base 

LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD 29)

Top LFH-HU

depth

(ft below RP)

Top LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD29) Well name Location RP Well ID
APPENDIXES 61

Data from various lithologic logs and field inspection

GL

(ft above

NGVD 29)

Top LFH-HU

altitude

(ft above 

NGVD 29) ID Source

Figure II.7. Data used to map the Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit near Deer Trail, Colorado (plates 1 and 2).–Continued

Klf353 4-59-4AAB 5020 4992 Lithologic logKlf354 4-59-9AAA 5060 5041 Lithologic logKlf355 4-59-10CBB 5080 5062 Lithologic logKlf356 4-59-10CC 5095 5058 Lithologic logKlf357 4-58-20BBB 5230 5203 Lithologic logKlf358 4-58-19DBA 5225 5164 Lithologic logKlf360 4-59-4DA 5030 5030 Field inspectionKlf361 4-59-9ADD 5055 5055 Field inspectionKlf362 4-59-23CDD 5120 5120 Field inspectionKlf363 4-59-26BAB 5120 5120 Field inspectionKlf364 4-59-24CDD 5140 5140 Field inspectionKlf365 4-59-25BDB 5140 5140 Field inspectionKlf366 4-58-31CCB 5170 5170 Field inspectionKlf367 5-58-7CCD 5200 5200 Field inspectionKlf368 5-58-8CCD 5220 5220 Field inspectionKlf369 5-58-18ACB 5220 5220 Field inspectionKlf370 5-58-20CDB 5280 5280 Field inspectionKlf371 5-58-29BBA 5280 5280 Field inspectionKlf372 5-58-29DCB 5320 5320 Field inspectionKlf374 6-58-5BA 5360 5360 Field inspectionKlf375 6-58-27CAB 5500 5500 Field inspectionKlf376 6-58-27CDB 5500 5500 Field inspectionKlf377 6-58-34BBC 5490 5490 Field inspectionKlf378 6-58-27BCA 5480 5480 Field inspection

Location

[Marker bed, top of D Sandstone member of Pierre Shale; LFH-HU, Laramie-Fox Hills hydrostratigraphic unit;Format of location, 4-57-35 -- Township 4 South, Range 57 West, Section 35; A, NE l/4; B, NW l/4; C, SW l/4; D, SE l/4; ft, feet; KB, Kelly Bushing; GL, Ground Level; RP, Reference Point; altitude is in feet above NGVD 29].
62 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99 Table II.1. Information for U.S. Geological Survey monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98. [Latitude and longitude are in the format degrees minutes seconds referenced to NAD 83; HUC, hydrologic unit code in the format 101900XX; Metro, Metro Wastewater Reclamation District; stickup, height of measuring point on well casing above land surface; ft., feet; bmp, below measuring point (stickup); in., inches; <, less than; km, kilometer; --, no data; altitude is in feet above NGVD 29; JRE, professional survey that used levels to benchmarks and high-accuracy global positioning system; DEM, digital elevation map; TDS, total data station that the USGS used to run levels; GPS, global positioning system] Screened interval Well Latitude Longitude County HUC Property owner Date drilled Stickup, ft. Total depth, ft. bmp, from Drillers' notes Top, ft. bmp, from Drillers' notes Bottom, ft. bmp, from Drillers' notes Screen length, ft., from Drillers' notes Screen opening, in. Sump length, ft Effective total depth, measured 12/95- 2/96, ft bmp Altitude of measuring point (top of stickup), ft. Altitude of land surface, ft. Altitude of land surface, km Source of position and altitude data D1 39 36 57.80671N 103 52 36.00105W ARAPAHOE 13 Metro 9/7/93 2.09 17 12 17 5 hand slotted < 1 17.15 5226.90 5224.81 1.59 JRE

1D2 39 36 46.91675N 103 51 58.93608W ARAPAHOE 13 Metro 9/7/93 3.29 25 15 25 10 0.010 < 1 24.50 5170.19 5166.90 1.57 JRE

D3 39 37 20.89342N 103 54 31.35544W ARAPAHOE 11 Metro 9/11/93 2.83 46 36 46 10 0.010 < 1 47.28 5188.59 5185.76 1.58 JRED4 39 36 40.77561N 103 53 51.02474W ARAPAHOE 11 Metro 9/10/93 2.11 34 24 34 10 0.010 < 1 33.41 5209.81 5207.70 1.59 JRED5 39 36 18.96329N 103 51 55.40047W ARAPAHOE 13 Metro 9/11/93 3.45 30 20 30 10 0.010 < 1 29.21 5195.59 5192.14 1.58 JRE

2D6 39 36 32.92243N 103 51 22.41861W ARAPAHOE 13 Metro 9/12/93 2.65 26 16 26 10 0.010 < 1 25.10 5126.08 5123.43 1.56 JRE

D7 39 36 00.91012N 103 53 56.45627W ARAPAHOE 11 Metro 9/10/93 2.62 25 15 25 10 0.010 < 1 23.77 5220.58 5217.96 1.59 JRED8 39 36 36.96236N 103 54 21.56186W ARAPAHOE 11 Metro 9/10/93 2.79 20 10 20 10 0.010 < 1 19.15 5186.44 5183.65 1.58 JRED9 39 37 27.90764N 103 52 57.05224W ARAPAHOE 12 Metro 9/12/93 2.37 61 51 61 10 0.010 < 1 62.00 5217.90 5215.53 1.59 JRE

D10 39 36 07.67740N 103 51 49.94923W ARAPAHOE 13 Metro 9/11/93 2.40 20 10 20 10 0.010 < 1 19.19 5197.09 5194.69 1.58 JRE

3D11 39 36 38N 103 53 13W ARAPAHOE 11 Metro 9/12/93 3.50 17 7 17 10 0.010 < 1 -- 5264 5260 1.60 DEM

D11a 39 33 45N 103 54 23W ELBERT 11 Metro 10/23/97 2.46 143.03 112.65 122.65 10 0.010 20.38 -- 5374 5372 1.64 Map, 

TDS, 

DEM

D12 39 37 01.56726N 103 52 18.76732W ARAPAHOE 13 Metro -- 0.62 -- -- -- -- -- -- 55.48 5191.33 5190.71 1.58 JRED13 39 34 41.52701N 103 54 37.51467W ARAPAHOE 11 Metro 4/4/94 1.81 17 7 17 10 0.010 < 1 16.15 5232.63 5230.82 1.59 JRED14 39 34 28.76792N 103 54 03.29046W ARAPAHOE 11 Metro 4/4/94 1.39 24 14 24 10 0.010 < 1 24.00 5269.43 5268.04 1.61 JRED15 39 33 58.75763N 103 54 54.24674W ELBERT 11 Private 4/7/94 1.86 25 15 25 10 0.010 < 1 24.06 5244.07 5242.21 1.60 JRED16 39 33 06N 103 54 56W ELBERT 11 Private 4/7/94 1.88 25 15 25 10 0.010 < 1 24.06 5279 5277 1.61 GPS, 

DEM

D17 39 33 34.44687N 103 54 36.41899W ELBERT 11 Metro 4/5/94 1.90 22 12 22 10 0.010 < 1 20.89 5275.03 5273.13 1.61 JRED18 39 33 29N 103 55 20W ELBERT 11 Private 4/16/94 2.50 15 10 15 5 0.010 < 1 14.90 5298 5296 1.61 GPS, 

DEM
APPENDIXES 63

D19 39 33 16.97000N 103 54 18.09956W ELBERT 11 Metro 4/5/94 1.69 30 20 30 10 0.010 < 1 29.00 5301.54 5299.85 1.62 JRED20 39 32 46N 103 54 42W ELBERT 11 Private 4/6/94 2.27 22 12 22 10 0.010 < 1 5-- 5282 5280 1.61 GPS, 

DEM

D21 39 32 09N 103 54 46W ELBERT 11 Private 4/5/94 1.71 20 10 20 10 0.010 < 1 19.12 5319 5317 1.62 GPS, 

DEM

D22 39 33 07.54597N 103 52 00.42522W ELBERT 13 Metro 4/8/94 3.58 41 31 41 10 0.010 < 1 39.30 5154.96 5151.38 1.57 JRE

4D23 39 33 42.2N 103 55 1.1W ELBERT 11 Private 4/8/94 2.54 15 10 15 5 0.010 < 1 15.00 5253.4 5250.81 1.60 JRE

D24 39 37 24.35652N 103 53 51.56324W ARAPAHOE 11 Metro 5/10/95 2.31 60 20 50 30 0.010 10 59.50 5242.30 5239.99 1.60 JRED25 39 37 02.36429N 103 54 41.77998W ARAPAHOE 11 Metro 5/1/95 2.23 25 15 25 10 0.010 < 1 22.93 5164.43 5162.20 1.57 JRED26 39 36 39.48726N 103 53 30.23390W ARAPAHOE 11 Metro 5/3/95 2.44 44 34 44 10 0.010 < 1 43.50 5230.64 5228.20 1.59 JRED27 39 36 20.63663N 103 54 09.06578W ARAPAHOE 11 Metro 5/2/95 2.77 26 16 26 10 0.010 < 1 23.96 5204.50 5201.73 1.59 JRED28 39 35 44.79713N 103 53 40.17959W ARAPAHOE 11 Metro 5/2/95 2.12 30 20 30 10 0.010 < 1 28.38 5236.41 5234.29 1.60 JRED29 39 36 41N 103 52 48W ARAPAHOE 13 Metro 11/4/97 2.38 183.19 147.81 157.81 10 0.010 25.38 -- 5369 5366 1.64 Map, 

TDS, 

DEM

D30 39 36 54.59463N 103 51 22.26453W ARAPAHOE 13 Metro 5/5/95 1.98 21 11 21 10 0.010 < 1 18.99 5093.73 5091.75 1.55 JRED31 39 36 55.75641N 103 51 38.57257W ARAPAHOE 13 Metro 5/4/95 1.84 26 11 21 10 0.010 5 23.94 5117.06 5115.22 1.56 JRED32 39 36 09.10353N 103 51 25.51780W ARAPAHOE 13 Metro 5/9/95 1.99 40 30 40 10 0.010 < 1 39.00 5186.23 5184.24 1.58 JRED33 39 35 56.05290N 103 51 53.08219W ARAPAHOE 13 Metro 5/5/95 1.73 25 10 20 10 0.010 5 24.19 5226.38 5224.65 1.59 JRE

1 Well had continuous-recorder instrumentation for water-level, water-temperature, and precipitation data from 1995 through 1998.2 Well had continuous-recorder instrumentation for specific conductance and water-temperature data from 1996 through 1998.3 Well was closed on 09/07/1995.4 Well had continuous-recorder instrumentation for water-level, water-temperature, and precipitation data from 1994 through 1998.5 Accurate depth measurement not obtained because well seems to have an object immersed in the well since before October 1995 (possibly a bailer).

Table II.1. Information for U.S. Geological Survey monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.[Latitude and longitude are in the format degrees minutes seconds referenced to NAD 83; HUC, hydrologic unit code in the format 101900XX; Metro, Metro Wastewater Reclamation District; stickup, height of measuring point on well casing above land surface; ft., feet; bmp, below measuring point (stickup); in., inches; <, less than; km, kilometer; --, no data; altitude is in feet above NGVD 29; JRE, professional 

survey that used levels to benchmarks and high-accuracy global positioning system; DEM, digital elevation map; TDS, total data station that the USGS used to run levels; GPS, global positioning system]

Screened interval

Well Latitude Longitude County HUC Property owner Date drilled Stickup, ft.

Total 

depth, ft. 

bmp, from 

Drillers' 

notes

Top, ft. 

bmp, from 

Drillers' 

notes

Bottom, ft. 

bmp, from 

Drillers' 

notes

Screen 

length, ft., 

from 

Drillers' 

notes

Screen 

opening, 

in.

Sump 

length, 

ft

Effective 

total 

depth, 

measured 

12/95-

2/96, 

ft bmp

Altitude of 

measuring 

point (top of 

stickup), ft.

Altitude of 

land 

surface, ft.

Altitude 

of land 

surface, 

km

Source of 

position 

and 

altitude 

data
64 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

Table II.2. Lithologic descriptions for U.S. Geological Survey monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98. 

Well D1

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Top soil is light-brown clay mixed with silt.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Very hard, silty, dry clay.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material.

13 – 15 feet Surficial drill cuttings Little easier drilling from 11.5 to 13 feet; otherwise same material.

Well D2

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Top soil is light-brown clay mixed with silt.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Soft clay at 3 feet.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material.

13 – 18 feet Surficial drill cuttings Very easy drilling; water at 14–15 feet.

18 – 23 feet Surficial drill cuttings No change; saturated silty clay.

Well D3

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Medium-brown, dry, silty clay.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Tighter at 4 feet; same material; a little damp.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Hard, dry, silty clay; darker brown color.

13 – 18 feet Surficial drill cuttings At 15.5 feet, getting harder–more silt.

18 – 23 feet Surficial drill cuttings Soft at 18.5–19 feet; a little perched-water zone.

23 – 28 feet Surficial drill cuttings Tighter at 23.5 feet; a little silty clay; damp.

28 – 33 feet Surficial drill cuttings Moist, fine-grained sand; very hard at 28 feet; loose at 31 feet. 

33 – 38 feet Surficial drill cuttings Soft, moist, fine-grained sand; very loose; water at 35–35.5 feet.

38 – 43 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated fine sand.

43 – 48 feet Surficial drill cuttings No change.

Well D4

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Topsoil is a light-brown, silty clay.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Bone-white clay; very dry and hard.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Soft, dry, silty clay grades to sand or fine-grained sand; light-brown and darkyellow color.

13 – 18 feet Surficial drill cuttings Hard clay; return of a lot of fine-grained yellow and light-brown sand.

18 – 23 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material.

23 – 28 feet Surficial drill cuttings No change.

28 – 32 feet Surficial drill cuttings Softer from 29–31; water at 31 to 32 feet; hard, black clay at bottom.
APPENDIXES 65

Well D5

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Dry, tan, silty, powdery clay.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Silty clay; moist at 7 feet.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Very moist; soft, silty clay.

13 – 18 feet Surficial drill cuttings Water at 15 feet; saturated silty to sandy clay.

18 – 23 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated sandy silt.

23 – 27 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material.

Well D6

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Dry, silty, powdery, light-brown clay.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Silty clay; moister at 7 feet.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Water at 10 to 11 feet; wet silty clay.

13 – 23 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated, silty, sandy clay.

Test Borehole About 15 Feet Southeast of Well D6

(Description from geologist’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0—27.5 feet Core Damp, brown clayey loam or loamy clay with thin zones of wet, clay-rich, 

medium-brown silt containing a few small pebbles, coal fragments, or semilithified shale fragments; stiff, plastic, moist, brown clay at about 13 feet. More 

wet at about 13.8, 14, and 18 feet. Many sugary white crystal pods throughout.

27.5—28 feet Core Wet, brown-gray-orange-white angular to subrounded gravel and sand in brown 

loam.

28—28.5 feet Core Dry, gray, interbedded silt and shale.

28.5—30 feet Core Dry, dark-gray shale.

Well D7

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Dry, tan, silty clay.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material; at 7.5 feet changes to moist silty clay.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Very easy drilling; water at 9–10 feet; saturated silty clay and fine sand.

13 – 18 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material.

18 – 23 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated silty clay and fine-grained sand.

Table II.2. Lithologic descriptions for U.S. Geological Survey monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued 
66 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

Well D8

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 2.5 feet Surficial drill cuttings Tan, dry, silty clay.

2.5 – 7.5 feet Surficial drill cuttings A little moist at 6.5 feet; turning to a black silty clay.

7.5 – 12.5 feet Surficial drill cuttings Water at 8–8.5 feet water; saturated fine silty clay and sand.

12.5 – 17.5 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated silty clay to fine sand.

17.5 – 22 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material.

Well D9

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Moist topsoil of silty clay.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Drier silty clay.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings More fine sand and clay, less silt; moist at 8.5 feet.

13 – 18 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material as above.

18 – 33 feet Surficial drill cuttings Less clay; finer sand.

33 – 43 feet Surficial drill cuttings Fine sand, little clay.

43 – 48 feet Surficial drill cuttings Tighter at 45 feet; hard, fine, sandy clay.

48 – 53 feet Surficial drill cuttings Moist, fine sand.

53 – 58 feet Surficial drill cuttings Water at 55 feet; wet, fine, silty sand.

58 – 63 feet Surficial drill cuttings Harder drilling beginning at 62 feet.

Test Borehole About 15 Feet Northeast of Well D9

(Description from geologist’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 19 feet Core Dry, brown silty loam or very fine-grained sand with some thin clay-rich zones. 

19 – 24 feet Core Damp, brown clayey loam containing a few small sandstone pebbles at the top and 

grading downward into more clay. Semi-lithified clay at about 24 feet.

24 – 48.5 feet Core Damp, brown clayey loam or loamy silt containing tiny coal fragments and thin 

coal layers at 32–34 feet. Some sugary white crystal pods at 29 feet. Some semilithified sandstone pebbles at about 36 and 48 feet. Generally more sandy at 

about 48 feet. Outside of core barrel wet from 27.5–28.5 foot interval.

48.5 – 53.5 feet Damp, brown, fine-grained sand and silt grade into gray silt that contains many 

large smears of black at 50–51 feet and orange at 51.5–53.5 feet. Contains large, 

hard, sub-angular siltstone fragments and softer rounded sandstone fragments.

53.5 – 57.5 feet Core Damp, soft, loamy sand with sandstone pebbles at 54–55 feet. Colors are gray, 

brown, yellow, black, and orange in a striped or smeared pattern.

57.5 – 60.5 feet Core Dry, crumbly, interbedded silt, clay, and shale. Colors are gray, brown, yellow, 

black, and orange in a striped pattern.

Table II.2. Lithologic descriptions for U.S. Geological Survey monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued 
APPENDIXES 67

Well D12

Windmill well drilled by landowners before 1993: U.S. Geological Survey pulled pump and cables from this well in 1993 before sampling. 

No lithologic information available.

Well D10

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Dry; tannish silty clay.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material; very soft, moist, silty clay at 6 feet; water at 7 – 7.5 feet.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated fine sandy silt.

13 – 18 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated fine sandy silt.

Well D11

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Powdery, light-brown, silty clay.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings No change; same material, but a little tighter and harder at 6 feet.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings A little moist; silty clay at 11 feet.

13 – 13.5 feet Surficial drill cuttings Hard drilling at 13 feet.

Well D11a

(Description from geologist’s notes; <, less than; %, percent)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 35 feet Air rotary cuttings Fine-grained, beige, friable, calcareous quartz sandstone with few small (<1/4 

inch) iron concretions; calcareous bioturbations.

35 – 75 feet Air rotary cuttings Fine-grained sandstone (same as above) with 20 – 80% clay in drill cuttings; 

brown.

75 – 100 feet Air rotary cuttings Fine-grained, soft, beige, friable, sandstone and silt.

100 – 120 feet Air rotary cuttings Beige to orange, soft, friable sandstone; water near 120 feet.

120 – 140 feet Air rotary cuttings Gray to dark-gray shale with some tiny anhedral pyrite crystals near 125 feet; 

denser shale at 134 – 140 feet.

Well D13

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Silty, powdery clay; moist at 1.5 feet with black and dark-brown fine sand; lightgray fine sand at 3 feet. 

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated, fine-grained sand; water at 4.5 to 5 feet.

8 – 15 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material as above.

Table II.2. Lithologic descriptions for U.S. Geological Survey monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued 
68 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

Well D14

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Dry, fine, silty sand.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Trace of clay at 3.5 feet; moist at 5 feet; more silty clay at 6 feet, then sandy clay.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated fine sand; water table at 10 – 11 feet.

13 – 18 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material.

18 – 23 feet Surficial drill cuttings No change; saturated fine sand.

Well D15

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Dark-brown, silty sand; moist at 1 feet; dark clay at 1.5 feet; hard dry clay at 2 feet; 

moist clay at 3 feet.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Moist, silty clay; dark brown clay at 4 feet.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Medium-brown silty clay; water table at 12 – 13 feet.

13 – 18 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated, dark-gray silty sand with little clay.

18 – 23 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material.

Well D16

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Dry, silty clay balls; moist at 3 feet.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Very moist clay; silty at 5 feet with a little perched-water zone.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Medium-brown silty clay with a hard clay bed at 9.5 feet.

13 – 18 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated, fine-grained sand; water at 13 feet.

18 – 23 feet Surficial drill cuttings Wet, fine-grained sand; trace of clay lenses.

Well D17

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Black silty sand; more clay at 1.5 feet grading into light-brown fine sand at 2 feet.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Trace of gravel at 6.5 feet; moist, fine sand from 7–7.5 feet. 

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated, fine-grained sand; water at 10 feet.

13 – 20 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material as above.

Table II.2. Lithologic descriptions for U.S. Geological Survey monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued 
APPENDIXES 69

Well D18

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Dry, silty, clay balls.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Fragments of yellow sandstone at 4 – 6 feet; very thin layers.

8 – 12.5 feet Surficial drill cuttings Tighter at 10 feet; medium brown clay getting moist at 11.5 feet; hard drilling at 12 

feet.

Well D19

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Black fine-grained sand; trace of clay at 2 feet; light-brown sand at 2.5 feet.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material as above; moist at 8 feet.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Trace of gravel at 8.5 feet; black stringer of fine-grained sand at about 11–12 feet, 

then back to light brown fine sand.

13 – 18 feet Surficial drill cuttings Clay bed at 14 feet; dark silty clay balls.

18 – 23 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated fine sand; water at 17–18 feet.

23 – 28 feet Surficial drill cuttings Same material as above.

Well D20

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Medium-brown silty sand to dark-brown sand; clay balls at 2 feet.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Moist, silty, sandy clay at 3.5 feet; a trace of gravel at 5 feet; very soft gray clay at 

about 8 feet.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Saturated sand with a little gravel; water at 9 – 10 feet; same material. 

13 – 20 feet Surficial drill cuttings Silty sand with a little gravel; saturated.

Well D21

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Silty powdery clay and sand.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Light-brown fine-grained sand with clay; moist clay and a trace of gravel at 6 feet; 

very moist at 7 feet.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Gray silty sand with water at 8–8.5 feet; saturated fine sand at 10 feet.

13 – 18 feet Surficial drill cuttings Stringers of clay and sand; black organics at 15–18 feet (black as coal) which have 

no smell.

Table II.2. Lithologic descriptions for U.S. Geological Survey monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued 
70 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

Well D22

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Medium-brown silty sand; light tan silt.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Gravel at 5 feet; moist silty clay at 7 feet.

8 – 13 feet Surficial drill cuttings Moist, dark-brown silty clay; trace of gravel at 11.5–12 feet.

13 – 18 feet Surficial drill cuttings Medium-brown clay.

18 – 23 feet Surficial drill cuttings Silty clay and fine-grained sand; gravel at 19 feet. 

23 – 28 feet Surficial drill cuttings Fine sand and clay getting drier and tighter.

28 – 33 feet Surficial drill cuttings Very dark-gray to black, dry clay.

33 – 37 feet Surficial drill cuttings Hard drilling at 37 feet.

Well D23

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Hard, dry, silty clay; moist silty clay at 2 feet.

3 – 8 feet Surficial drill cuttings Moist, dark-gray silty clay.

8 – 13.5 feet Surficial drill cuttings Silty, sandy clay; water at 8.5 – 9 feet.

Well D24

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Sandy silt.

3 – 41 feet Surficial drill cuttings Sandy clay.

41 – 58 feet Surficial drill cuttings Clayey sand.

Well D25

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3.5 feet Surficial drill cuttings Sandy silt.

3.5 – 23 feet Surficial drill cuttings Clayey sand; water at 15 feet.

Test Borehole About 15 Feet South of Well D25

(Description from geologist’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 7 feet Core Damp, medium-brown, silty loam with some fine-grained sand grains; more clay 

at about 1 foot and 5–6 feet.

7—8.5 feet Core Wet, dark-brown loamy clay with some grains of coarse sand becoming drier and 

more mottled after about 7.5 feet.

Table II.2. Lithologic descriptions for U.S. Geological Survey monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued 
APPENDIXES 71

8.5—14 feet Core Damp, brown clayey loam with thin zones of wet, clay-rich, medium-brown silt 

containing a few small pebbles, coal fragments, or semi-lithified shale fragments.

14—19.8 feet Core Wet, medium-brown clay loam grading downward into loamy sand that contains 

angular and sub-angular rock fragments.

19.8—23.5 feet Core Damp, gray, well-sorted fine-grained sand and silt having distinct orange horizontal banding.

Well D26

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 12 feet Surficial drill cuttings Sandy silt.

12 – 42 feet Surficial drill cuttings Clayey sand.

Well D27

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 6 feet Surficial drill cuttings Sandy silt.

6 – 23 feet Surficial drill cuttings Clayey sand.

Well D28

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 5 feet Surficial drill cuttings Sandy silt.

5 – 28 feet Surficial drill cuttings Clayey sand.

Well D29

(Description from geologist’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 5 feet Air rotary cuttings Uniform brown sandy loam.

5 – 15 feet Air rotary cuttings Brown, fine-grained loamy sand with soft chunks of friable, beige sandstone.

15 – 25 feet Air rotary cuttings Beige, fine-grained, friable sandstone; calcareous with chunks of bioturbated sandstone near 15 feet and brownish-orange lithified sandstone near 20 feet.

25 – 30 feet Air rotary cuttings Hard, dark, gray-brown shale.

30 – 75 feet Air rotary cuttings Interbedded beige, soft, friable sandstone with orange-brown and harder redbrown sandstone; friable dark brown shale from 35–38 feet.

75 – 85 feet Air rotary cuttings Black friable shale and gray clay.

Test Borehole About 15 Feet South of Well D25—Continued

(Description from geologist’s notes)

Table II.2. Lithologic descriptions for U.S. Geological Survey monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued 
72 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

85 – 125 feet Air rotary cuttings Inter-bedded beige friable sandstone and gray clay with shale fragments.

125 – 153 feet Air rotary cuttings Inter-bedded soft, orange, silty sandstone with gray clay and gray-black shale; 

formation has water somewhere in this zone.

153 – 180 feet Air rotary cuttings Gray-black shale.

Well D30

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 1 feet Surficial drill cuttings Sandy silt.

1 – 9 feet Surficial drill cuttings Clayey sand; wet at 8 feet.

9 – 19 feet Surficial drill cuttings Sandy clay.

Well D31

(Description from geologist’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 4.5 feet Core Dark-brown, clay loam with angular sand grains; some bedding and sub-angular to 

rounded grains near 4.5 feet.

4.5 – 9 feet Core Water at 8.5–9 feet; medium-brown clay loam with some black organic-rich 

streaks; no strong sulfide smell; fairly well-sorted; anhedral gypsum.

9 – 14 feet Core Wet, clay-rich, medium-brown silty loam; black reducing organics; some subangular granitic sand grains and rounded pebbles from 12-14 feet.

14 – 19 feet Core Wet, medium-brown clay loam with angular sand fragments to loamy sand.

19 – 24 feet Core Wet, medium-brown clay loam with pebbles grading into dry gray and black clay.

Well D32

(Description from driller’s notes)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 3 feet Surficial drill cuttings Sandy silt

3 – 21 feet Surficial drill cuttings Clay

21 – 38 feet Surficial drill cuttings Clayey sand

Well D33

(Description from geologist’s notes; <, less than)

Depth Below 

Land Surface Source Description of Material

0 – 4 feet Core Dry, medium-brown sandy loam with abundant white roots at surface and coarse 

sand at about 1 foot.

4 – 8 feet Core Dry, dark-gray, fine-grained sandy loam with some hard clay.

8 – 13 feet Core Dry, light-brown clay loam with thin (<1 inch) sandy beds interlayered; finegrained sandy loam with sub-angular grains; wet granitic sands at 12-13 feet. 

13 – 18 feet Core Wet, medium-brown sandy loam; sub-angular granitic grains and clay-rich zones 

with black organic debris.

18 – 23 feet Core Very wet, fine-grained clay-rich silty loam.

Well D29—Continued

(Description from geologist’s notes)

Table II.2. Lithologic descriptions for U.S. Geological Survey monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued 
APPENDIXES 73

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format month/day/year military time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; 

Precip., monthly precipitation as measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured]

Well D1 Well D2 Well D3 Well D4 Well D5

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp

Precip., 

inches Date Water Level, ft.bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp

9/28/93 40.00 9/28/93 27.00 10/1/93 7.40

10/4/94 

1220

dry 10/4/94 

1418

12.93 -- 9/29/94 

0930

40.13 9/29/94 

1449

27.41 10/3/94 

1408

16.20

11/25/94 

1400

dry 11/25/94 

1340

12.53 -- 11/25/94 

0815

40.19 11/25/94 

0854

27.43 11/25/94 

1320

14.77

12/12/94 

1505

dry 12/12/94 

1450

12.55 -- 12/12/94 

1105

40.16 12/12/94 

1124

27.50 12/12/94 

1441

14.93

1/30/95 dry 1/30/95 12.57 -- 1/30/95 40.14 1/30/95 27.55 1/30/95 15.26

3/20/95 dry 3/20/95 12.44 -- 3/20/95 40.16 3/20/95 27.61 3/20/95 15.28

4/11/95 dry 5/1/95 12.42 -- 4/11/95 40.15 4/11/95 27.60 4/11/95 15.28

5/1/95 -- 5/1/95 12.42 -- 5/1/95 40.17 5/1/95 27.66 5/1/95 15.39

6/22/95 -- 6/22/95 -- -- 6/22/95 -- 6/22/95 27.35 6/22/95 --

7/12/95 -- 7/12/95 -- -- 7/12/95 -- 7/12/95 27.25 7/12/95 --

9/20/95 -- 9/27/95 

1400

12.98 -- 9/20/95 

0930

40.25 9/22/95 

1300

27.30 9/27/95 

1111

14.37

10/30/95 

1259

dry 10/30/95 

1154

12.71 -- 10/30/95 

0840

40.20 10/30/95 

0922

27.34 10/30/95 

1121

14.51

11/30/95 

1457

dry 11/30/95 

1537

12.52 -- 11/30/95 

0745

40.17 11/30/95 

0910

27.32 11/30/95 

1409

14.73

12/13/95 dry 12/13/95 

1135

12.75 -- 12/14/95 

1308

40.16 12/13/95 

1350

27.35 12/13/96 --

1/25/96 

1135

dry 1/25/96 

1150

12.50 -- 1/25/96 

1425

40.12 1/25/96 

1450

27.36 1/25/96 

1220

15.04

2/6/96 

1435

dry 2/6/96 

1446

12.46 -- 2/6/96 

1205

40.17 2/6/96 

1140

27.42 2/6/96 

1505

15.11

2/21/96 

0734

-- 2/22/96 

0756

12.54 -- 2/21/96 

0734

40.17 2/21/96 

0833

27.46 2/22/96 

1040

15.19

3/5/96 -- 3/7/96 

1235

12.56 -- 3/6/96 

1215

40.18 3/6/96 

1020

27.55 3/8/96 

0808

15.31

4/4/96 

0945

dry 4/4/96 

0955

12.47 -- 4/4/96 

1210

40.17 4/4/96 

1225

27.54 4/4/96 

1005

15.39

5/2/96 dry 5/2/96 12.28 -- 5/2/96 40.19 5/2/96 27.48 5/2/96 15.31

6/13/96 -- 6/12/96 

0808

12.44 2.75 6/13/96 

1242

40.21 6/14/96 

0815

27.57 6/13/96 

1305

15.50

7/3/96 

1005

dry 7/3/96 

1036

12.27 2.2 7/3/96 

1350

40.22 7/3/96 -- 7/3/96 

1105

15.59

8/7/96 -- 8/7/96 

1617

11.33 4.98 8/7/96 

1430

40.23 8/7/96 

1415

-- 8/7/96 

1750

--

8/21/96 -- 8/21/96 

1356

11.43 -- 8/21/96 -- 8/20/96 -- 8/22/96 

1110

15.19

9/11/96 

1015

dry 9/11/96 

1035

11.49 2.05 9/11/96 -- 9/11/96 -- 9/11/96 

1110

15.03

10/3/96 -- 10/3/96 

0810

11.67 1.9 10/3/96 -- 10/3/96 -- 10/3/96 

1105

14.90

11/7/96 -- 11/7/96 

1105

11.76 0.26 11/8/96 -- 11/8/96 -- 11/8/96 

900

15.02
74 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

12/3/96 

915

dry 12/3/96 

950

11.90 -- 12/3/96 

1205

40.07 12/3/96 

1242

27.08 12/3/96 

1027

15.09

1/7/97 

942

dry 1/7/97 

1002

11.80 -- 1/7/97 

1157

40.01 1/7/97 

1247

27.03 1/7/97 

1049

15.16

2/4/97 

1118

dry 2/4/97 

1023

11.81 0.07 2/4/97 

1249

39.98 2/4/1997 

1537

27.09 2/4/97 

1136

15.36

3/6/97 

941

dry 3/6/97 

1000

11.82 0.19 3/6/97 

1448

39.95 3/6/97 

1127

27.08 3/6/97 

1031

15.43

4/7/97 

1135

dry 4/7/97 

1117

11.91 0.27 4/7/97 

1235

39.93 4/7/97 

1410

27.08 4/8/97 

1221

15.55

5/8/97 

1059

-- 5/8/97 

1059

12.08 0.46 5/8/97 

1352

39.91 5/8/97 

1300

27.15 5/8/97 

1122

15.65

6/3/97 

0758

-- 6/3/97 

0758

12.20 1.50 6/3/97 

1348

39.82 6/3/97 

1308

27.09 6/2/97 

1302

15.67

7/2/97 

0913

dry 7/2/97 

0846

11.98 2.9 7/2/97 

1525

39.67 7/2/97 

1135

27.04 7/2/97 

0941

15.64

8/7/97 

1300

-- 8/7/97 

1300

11.88 4.9 8/7/97 

1625

39.66 8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1200

--

8/27/97 

0833

-- 8/27/97 

0833

11.87 1.59 8/25/97 

0815

39.76 8/26/97 

1025

26.84 8/26/97 

0822

15.58

10/02/97 

1003

-- 10/02/97 

1003

12.32 1.05 10/02/97 

1405

39.76 10/02/97 

1320

26.10 10/02/97 

1041

15.30

11/19/97 

0815

-- 11/19/97 

0815

11.86 0.45 11/17/97 

1235

39.70 11/17/97 

0800

-- 11/18/97 

1310

15.35

12/17/97 

1015

dry 12/17/97 

1031

11.88 0.14 12/17/97 

1216

39.42 12/17/97 

1350

26.18 12/17/97 

1113

15.46

1/8/98 

1504

dry 1/07/98 

1025 

11.86 -- 1/6/98 

1207

39.71 1/6/98 

1200

-- 1/8/98 

1257

15.42

2/12/98 

0826

dry 2/12/98 

0854

11.88 -- 2/12/98 

1130

39.67 2/12/98 

1243

26.36 2/12/98 

0944

15.65

3/4/98 

0719

dry 3/4/98 

0739 

11.78 -- 3/4/98 

1102

39.64 3/4/98 

1206

26.38 3/4/98 

0937

15.65

4/14/98 

1200

-- 4/14/98 

1040

11.70 -- 4/16/98 

0724

39.63 4/16/98 

1200

-- 4/15/98 

1038

15.72

5/5/98 

1656

-- 5/5/98 

1656

11.82 0.11 5/5/98 

1727

39.58 5/5/98 

1146

26.47 5/5/98 

1610

15.73

6/11/98 

0855

-- 6/11/98 

0855

12.38 0.62 6/11/98 

1644

39.55 6/11/98 

1402

26.50 6/11/98 

1204

15.84

7/16/98 

0830

-- 7/16/98 

0830

12.96 0.6 7/16/98 

1200

-- 7/15/98 

1200

-- 7/15/98 

1247

15.99

8/4/98 

0843

-- 8/4/98 

0843

11.86 4.45 8/4/98 

1045

39.51 8/4/98 

1119

26.64 8/4/98 

0905

15.35

9/1/98 

0940

-- 9/1/98 

0940

11.99 -- 9/1/98 

1115

39.49 9/1/98 

1136

26.60 9/1/98 

1012

15.29

10/1/98 

1037

dry 10/1/98 

1056

12.17 0.75 10/1/98 

1453

39.47 10/1/98 

1200

-- 10/1/98 

1200

--

Min 11.33 Min 39.42 Min 26.10 Min 7.40

Median 12.17 Median 40.04 Median 27.30 Median 15.35

Max 12.98 Max 40.25 Max 27.66 Max 16.20

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format month/day/year military time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; 

Precip., monthly precipitation as measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured]

Well D1 Well D2 Well D3 Well D4 Well D5

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp

Precip., 

inches Date Water Level, 

ft.bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp
APPENDIXES 75

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format month/day/year time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; Precip., 

monthly precipitation as measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured]

Well D6 Well D7 Well D8 Well D9 Well D10

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp

10/1/93 8.10 9/28/93 13.00 9/28/93 9.00 10/5/93 58.00 10/1/93 11.94

10/3/94 

1735

9.90 9/29/94 

1607

13.29 9/29/94 

1212

10.96 10/4/94 

0950

57.91 10/3/94 

1605

11.95

11/25/94 

1314

9.16 11/25/94 

0900

13.40 11/25/94 

0845

10.61 11/25/94 

1430

57.49 11/25/94 

1259

11.85

12/12/94 

1428

9.26 12/12/94 

1138

13.42 12/12/94 

1115

10.64 12/12/94 

1527

57.52 12/12/94 

1416

11.89

1/30/95 9.43 1/30/95 13.42 1/30/95 10.65 1/30/95 57.63 1/30/95 11.95

3/20/95 9.30 3/20/95 13.38 3/20/95 10.65 3/20/95 57.72 3/20/95 11.90

4/11/95 9.30 4/11/95 13.38 4/11/95 10.60 4/11/95 57.72 4/11/95 11.86

5/1/95 9.00 5/1/95 13.27 5/1/95 10.66 5/1/95 57.80 5/1/95 11.77

6/22/95 -- 6/22/95 12.82 6/22/95 10.34 6/22/95 57.46 6/22/95 --

7/12/95 -- 7/12/95 12.67 7/12/95 10.47 7/12/95 -- 7/12/95 --

9/20/95 

1430

8.63 9/22/95 -- 9/22/95 

1100

10.74 9/28/95 

1305

56.76 9/27/95 

1003

11.76

10/30/95 

1039

9.02 10/30/95 -- 10/30/95 

0914

10.53 10/30/95 

1311

56.83 10/30/95 

1023

11.81

11/30/95 

1420

9.13 11/30/95 -- 11/30/95 

0845

10.56 11/30/95 

1707

56.88 11/30/95 

1400

11.80

12/13/95 

1120

9.20 12/13/95 -- 12/13/95 

1102

10.59 12/15/95 

1505

56.93 12/12/95 

1310

11.79

1/25/96 

1040

9.37 1/25/96 -- 1/25/96 

1445

10.57 1/25/96 

1410

57.01 1/25/96 

1010

11.84

2/6/96 

1405

9.33 2/7/96 

0935

12.51 2/6/96 

1135

10.61 2/6/96 

1220

57.06 2/6/96 

1345

11.83

2/22/96 

0916

9.43 2/21/96 -- 2/21/96 

0818

10.59 2/22/96 

1105

57.05 2/22/96 

1017

11.86

3/7/96 

1105

9.60 3/5/96 -- 3/5/96 

0815

10.58 3/7/96 

0745

57.19 3/8/96 

1015

11.82

4/4/96 

1035

9.35 4/4/96 

1255

12.53 4/4/96 

1220

10.47 4/4/96 

0915

57.24 4/4/96 

1025

11.83

5/2/96 8.57 5/2/96 -- 5/2/96 10.44 5/2/96 57.25 5/2/96 11.80

6/11/96 

1105

8.24 6/13/96 -- 6/11/96 

0907

10.63 6/14/96 

0822

57.40 6/12/96 

1225

11.80

7/3/96 

1115

8.42 7/3/96 -- 7/3/96 -- 7/3/96 

0935

57.40 7/3/96 

1220

11.83

8/7/96 

1649

7.49 8/7/96 

1322

11.92 8/7/96 

1415

-- 8/7/96 

1740

57.48 8/7/96 

1752

11.79

8/22/96 

0830

7.78 8/20/96 

0900

12.09 8/20/96 -- 8/21/96 

0800

57.47 8/22/96 

1000

11.70

9/11/96 

1055

7.33 9/11/96 

1555

12.00 9/11/96 

1605

8.58 9/11/96 

0955

57.55 9/11/96 

1100

11.54

10/3/96 

0957

7.44 10/4/96 

1141

11.84 10/3/96 -- 10/3/96 

1135

57.53 10/3/96 

1049

11.45

11/7/96 

1245

7.90 11/7/96 

1011

11.73 11/7/96 -- 11/6/96 

1425

57.52 11/7/96 

1410

11.48
76 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

12/3/96 

1043

8.25 12/3/96 

1438

11.68 12/3/96 

1222

9.10 12/3/96 

1147

57.58 12/3/96 

1032

11.46

1/7/97 

1035

8.40 1/7/97 

1222

11.72 1/7/97 

1228

9.15 1/7/97 

930

57.62 1/7/97 

1041

11.50

2/4/97 

1124

8.54 2/4/97 

1516

11.79 2/4/97 

1523

9.09 2/4/97 

1238

57.65 2/4/97 

1129

11.49

3/6/97 

1049

8.49 3/6/97 

1155

11.84 3/6/97 

1134

9.20 3/6/97 

922

57.48 3/6/97 

1036

11.52

4/8/97 

1159

8.56 4/7/97 

1354

11.87 4/7/97 

1420

9.32 4/8/97 

1237

57.55 4/8/97 

1210

11.53

5/8/97 

1139

8.69 5/8/97 

1604

11.90 5/8/97 

1309

9.46 5/8/97 

1027

57.62 5/8/97 

1128

11.53

6/2/97 

1315

8.68 6/3/97 

0823

11.92 6/3/97 

1200

-- 6/3/97 

1151

57.58 6/2/97 

1324

11.51

7/2/97 

1008

8.00 7/2/97 

1200

-- 7/2/97 

1200

-- 7/2/97 

1057

57.62 7/2/97 

1021

11.57

8/7/97 

1400

7.25 8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1450

57.58 8/7/97 

1200

--

8/27/97 

1240

6.39 8/27/97 

1200

-- 8/27/97 

1200

-- 8/25/97 

1150

57.63 8/26/97 

0943

11.19

10/02/97 

1053

6.30 10/2/97 

1200

-- 10/02/97 

1421

9.10 10/02/97 

0921

57.66 10/02/97 

1107 

11.09

11/19/97 

1240

6.77 11/18/97 

0900

-- 11/19/97 

0753

8.66 11/17/97 

0805

57.57 11/18/97 

1030

10.98

12/17/97 

1103

7.04 12/17/97 

1345

10.89 12/17/97 

1227

8.63 12/17/97 

0955

57.59 12/17/97 

1147

11.02

1/07/98 

1205 

6.84 1/7/98 

1200

-- 1/07/98 

1225 

8.53 1/06/98 

0850

-- 1/8/98 

1440

10.96

2/12/98 

0930

7.05 2/12/98 

1322

10.95 2/12/98 

1151

8.61 2/12/98 

1111

57.59 2/12/98 

0951

10.99

3/4/98 

0832

6.41 3/4/98 

1141

10.98 3/4/98 

1115

8.54 3/4/98 

1045

57.54 3/4/98 

0923

10.97

4/15/98 

1043

5.86 4/15/98 

1200

4/14/98 

1107

8.34 4/15/98 

0715

57.57 4/15/98 

0916

10.87

5/5/98 

1616

6.29 5/5/98 

1205

11.04 5/5/98 

1246

8.55 5/5/98 

1714

57.53 5/5/98 

1546

10.87

6/11/98 

0949

7.19 6/11/98 

1437

11.40 6/11/98 

1437

11.40 6/11/98 

1222

57.55 6/11/98 

1149

10.88

7/16/98 

1033

8.04 7/16/98 

1200

-- 7/15/98 

1118

9.91 7/16/98 

1224

57.59 7/15/98 

1415

10.88

8/4/98 

0920

6.70 8/4/98 

1241

11.10 8/4/98 

1107

8.41 8/4/98 

1032

57.61 8/4/98 

0909

10.60

9/1/98 

1027

7.05 9/1/98 

1202

10.87 9/1/98 

1122

8.90 9/1/98 

0928

57.59 9/1/98 

1016

10.56

10/1/98 

0851

7.55 10/1/98 

1538

10.80 10/1/98 

1200

-- 10/1/98 

1200

-- 10/1/98 

1000

10.60

Min 5.86 Min 10.80 Min 8.34 Min 56.76 Min 10.56

Median 8.40 Median 11.90 Median 10.44 Median 57.55 Median 11.54

Max 9.90 Max 13.42 Max 11.40 Max 57.91 Max 11.95

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format month/day/year time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; Precip., 

monthly precipitation as measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured]

Well D6 Well D7 Well D8 Well D9 Well D10

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp
APPENDIXES 77

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format month/day/year time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; Precip., 

monthly precipitation as measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured

Well D11a Well D12 Well D13 Well D14 Well D15

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp

(Well 11a not installed 

until October 1997)

10/4/94 

1240

35.72 10/3/94 

0930

7.15 10/3/94 

0815

12.45 9/30/94 

0801

8.10

11/25/94 

1350

35.69 11/25/94 

0959

7.18 11/25/94 

1008

12.21 11/25/94 

1020

6.80

12/12/94 

1500

35.69 12/12/94 

1158

7.18 12/12/94 

1206

12.27 12/12/94 

1218

6.76

1/30/95 35.69 1/30/95 7.12 1/30/95 12.37 1/30/95 6.50

3/20/95 35.69 3/20/95 7.01 3/20/95 12.30 3/20/95 6.15

4/11/95 35.67 4/11/95 6.95 4/11/95 12.27 4/11/95 6.14

5/1/95 35.68 5/1/95 6.82 5/4/95 12.53 5/1/95 5.74

6/22/95 -- 6/22/95 6/22/95 12.29 6/22/95 4.96

7/12/95 -- 7/12/95 7.33 7/12/95 12.14 7/12/95 5.52

9/20/95 

1020

35.50 9/25/95 

1000

8.02 9/25/95 

1100

11.39 9/25/95 --

10/30/95 

1249

35.46 10/30/95 

1330

7.71 10/30/95 

1337

11.44 10/30/95 

1354

6.05

11/30/95 

1501

35.43 11/30/95 

1024

7.41 11/30/95 

1039

11.45 11/30/95 

1055

5.40

12/12/95 12/13/95 

1246

7.37 12/13/95 

1414

11.47 12/14/95 

0845

5.38

1/25/96 

1125

35.40 1/25/96 

1550

7.19 1/25/96 

1545

11.51 1/25/96 

1400

5.21

2/6/96 

1430

35.42 2/6/96 

0950

7.15 2/6/96 

0940

11.50 2/6/96 

1005

5.42

2/22/96 

0839

35.45 2/21/96 

1006

7.10 2/21/96 

1020

11.56 2/21/96 

1040

5.21

3/5/96 

0855

35.43 3/6/96 

1135

7.06 3/6/96 

0950

11.65 3/6/96 

1308

5.10

4/4/96 

0940

35.44 4/4/96 

1340

6.83 4/4/96 

1335

11.58 4/4/96 

1350

4.52

5/2/96 35.46 5/2/96 6.70 5/2/96 11.47 5/2/96 4.44

6/13/96 

0820

35.46 6/13/96 

0814

6.96 6/13/96 -- 6/12/96 

1421

5.00

7/3/96 

0958

35.49 7/3/96 

1430

6.33 7/3/96 

1440

11.10 7/3/96 

1450

5.51

8/7/96 

1530

35.45 8/7/96 

1210

5.35 8/7/96 

1150

10.46 8/7/96 

0830

6.39

8/20/96 

0855

35.46 8/20/96 

1318

5.55 8/20/96 

1420

10.53 8/21/96 

1337

6.62

9/11/96 

1010

35.43 9/11/96 

1530

5.16 9/11/96 

1525

10.22 9/11/96 

1515

6.32

10/3/96 

0910

35.42 10/4/96 

1105

5.59 10/4/96 

1050

10.38 10/4/96 

1032

6.30

11/6/96 

1200

35.39 11/7/96 

1320

5.96 11/7/96 

1305

10.55 11/8/96 

1434

6.27
78 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

12/3/96 

910

35.37 12/3/96 

1511

5.90 12/3/96 

1519

10.59 12/3/96 

1528

6.05

1/7/97 

946

35.32 1/7/97 

1320

5.84 1/7/97 

1316

10.68 1/7/97 

1332

5.88

2/4/97 

1113

35.33 2/4/97 

1502

5.70 2/4/97 

1451

10.88 2/4/97 

1441

5.74

3/6/97 

934

35.34 3/6/97 

1425

5.69 3/6/97 

1419

10.80 3/6/97 

1406

5.32

4/7/97 

1136

35.33 4/8/97 

1013

5.84 4/8/97 

1005

10.90 4/8/97 

1022

4.95

5/8/97 

1039

35.30 5/8/97 

1431

6.12 5/8/97 

1423

10.92 5/8/97 

1544

4.94

6/3/97 

1141

35.24 6/2/97 

0916

6.55 6/2/97 

0747

10.99 6/3/97 

1443

5.65

7/2/97 

0903

35.24 7/2/97 

1445

6.98 7/2/97 

1438

10.98 7/2/97 

1420

6.37

8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1605

4.51

8/26/97 

1200

-- 8/26/97 

1200

-- 8/25/97 

1058

11.03 8/25/97 

1354

5.19

10/02/97 

0946

35.15 10/02/97 

1502

7.09 10/02/97 

1454

10.45 10/02/97 

1458

5.88

11/18/97 

1100

-- 11/17/97 

1034

6.38 11/17/97 

1255

10.55 11/20/97 

0814

5.31

12/17/97 

0909

112.79 12/17/97 

1020

34.97 12/17/97 

1435

6.22 12/17/97 

1430

10.55 12/17/97 

1447

5.05

1/8/98 

1020

112.87 1/8/98 

1515

34.87 1/6/98 

1300

6.04 1/6/98 

1136

10.57 1/8/98 

1239

4.60

2/12/98 

1025

113.01 2/12/98 

0837

34.87 2/12/98 

1340

5.93 2/12/98 

1348

10.60 2/12/98 

1404

4.48

3/4/98 

0956

112.79 3/4/98 

0725

34.84 3/4/98 

1244

5.70 3/4/98 

1250

10.60 3/4/98 

1301

4.19

4/13/98 

0745

113.01 4/13/98 

1100

4/13/98 

1056

5.40 4/15/98 

0713

10.55 4/14/98 

0728

3.83

5/5/98 

1336

112.78 5/5/98 

1645

34.78 5/5/98 

1047

5.99 5/5/98 

1057

10.46 5/5/98 

1032

4.60

6/11/98 

1255

112.85 6/11/98 

0845

-- 6/11/98 

1515

7.08 6/11/98 

1523

10.50 6/11/98 

1626

5.59

7/14/98 

0852

112.87 7/14/98 

1200

-- 7/14/98 

0948

8.23 7/14/98 

0754

10.78 7/16/98 

0751

6.59

8/4/98 

0945

113.04 8/4/98 

0900

-- 8/4/98 

1226

7.91 8/4/98 

1220

11.01 8/4/98 

1200

--

9/1/98 

0841

112.97 9/1/98 

1000

-- 9/1/98 

1219

8.80 9/1/98 

1214

11.49 9/1/98 

1301

5.84

10/1/98 

1409

112.80 10/1/98 

1200

-- 10/1/98 

1200

-- 10/1/98 

1200

-- 10/1/98 

1516

6.67

Min 112.78 Min 34.78 Min 5.16 Min 10.22 Min 3.83

Median 112.87 Median 35.43 Median 6.83 Median 11.00 Median 5.52

Max 113.04 Max 35.72 Max 8.80 Max 12.53 Max 8.10

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format month/day/year time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; Precip., 

monthly precipitation as measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured

Well D11a Well D12 Well D13 Well D14 Well D15

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp
APPENDIXES 79

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format month/day/year time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; Precip., 

monthly precipitation as measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured]

Well D16 Well D17 Well D18 Well D19 Well D20

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date

Water 

Level, ft. 

bmp

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp

9/30/94 

1150

8.59 9/29/94 

1800

12.00 9/13/94 dry 9/30/94 

1250

22.30 9/30/94 

1419

10.11

11/25/94 

1054

7.11 11/25/94 

1104

12.07 11/25/94 

1040

dry 11/25/94 

1115

22.16 11/25/94 

1124

9.35

12/12/94 

1251

7.25 12/12/94 

1300

12.06 12/12/94 

1244

dry 12/12/94 

1305

22.19 12/12/94 

1312

9.31

1/30/95 7.17 1/30/95 12.03 1/30/95 dry 1/30/95 22.09 1/30/95 8.94

3/20/95 7.12 3/20/95 11.97 3/20/95 dry 3/20/95 22.07 3/20/95 8.92

4/11/95 7.07 4/11/95 11.92 4/11/95 dry 4/11/95 22.08 4/11/95 8.88

5/1/95 -- 5/1/95 11.90 5/1/95 dry 5/1/95 22.34 5/1/95 8.90

6/22/95 5.37 6/22/95 11.28 6/22/95 dry 6/22/95 22.22 6/22/95 8.71

7/12/95 6.57 7/12/95 11.13 7/12/95 -- 7/12/95 22.22 7/12/95 8.63

9/26/95 

0900

7.58 9/28/95 

1530

10.82 9/26/95 

0824

dry 9/26/95 

1048

22.19 9/26/95 

1212

8.87

10/30/95 

1418

7.46 10/30/95 

1449

10.86 10/30/95 dry 10/30/95 

1439

22.20 10/30/95 

1432

8.80

11/30/95 

1148

6.82 11/30/95 

1319

10.85 11/30/95 

1140

dry 11/30/95 

1304

22.15 11/30/95 

1220

8.68

12/14/95 

1335

7.08 12/13/95 -- 12/13/95 

1135

dry 12/12/95 -- 12/12/95 

1124

8.72

1/25/96 

1435

7.08 1/25/96 

1300

10.93 1/25/96 

1135

dry 1/25/96 

1245

22.18 1/25/96 

1325

8.65

2/6/96 

1030

7.31 2/6/96 

1100

10.94 2/6/96 

1050

dry 2/6/96 

1240

22.19 2/6/96 

1300

8.64

2/21/96 

1055

7.10 2/21/96 -- 2/21/96 -- 2/21/96 -- 2/21/96 

1150

8.63

3/7/96 

1157

7.09 3/7/96 -- 3/7/96 -- 3/7/96 -- 3/7/96 

1020

8.65

4/4/96 

1410

6.57 4/4/96 

1125

10.91 4/4/96 

1405

dry 4/4/96 

1130

22.24 4/4/96 

1140

8.54

5/2/96 -- 5/2/96 10.69 5/2/96 -- 5/2/96 22.16 5/2/96 8.42

6/12/96 

1247

5.77 6/13/96 -- 6/13/96 -- 6/13/96 -- 6/12/96 

1009

8.39

7/3/96 

1605

7.02 7/3/96 

1255

10.20 7/3/96 

1555

dry 7/3/96 

1300

22.03 7/3/96 

1315

8.78

8/7/96 

0924

8.18 8/7/96 

1839

10.34 8/7/96 

0945

-- 8/7/96 

1833

21.99 8/7/96 

0952

9.33

8/21/96 

1030

8.35 8/22/96 

0847

10.50 8/22/96 

1240

-- 8/22/96 

1240

21.97 8/22/96 

1348

9.63

9/11/96 

1455

8.71 9/11/96 

1420

10.64 9/11/96 

1510

dry 9/11/96 

1425

21.82 9/11/96 

1435

9.86

10/4/96 

0935

8.65 10/4/96 

0828

10.78 10/4/96 

0840

-- 10/4/96 

0840

21.75 10/4/96 

0900

9.54

11/8/96 

1155

8.58 11/6/96 

855

10.85 11/6/96 

1135

-- 11/6/96 

1135

21.78 11/6/96 

1309

9.31
80 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

12/3/96 

1547

8.38 12/3/96 

1131

10.85 12/3/96 

1605

dry 12/3/96 

1127

21.79 12/3/96 

1535

9.18

1/7/97 

1351

8.27 1/7/97 

1128

10.86 1/7/97 

1415

dry 1/7/97 

1125

21.82 1/7/97 

1337

9.09

2/4/97 

1430

8.08 2/4/97 

1220

10.89 2/4/97 

1400

dry 2/4/97 

1217

21.87 2/4/97 

1416

9.02

3/6/97 

1314

7.84 3/6/97 

1240

10.89 3/6/97 

1353

dry 3/6/97 

1237

21.91 3/6/97 

1254

8.94

4/8/97 

1056

7.78 4/8/97 

1124

10.92 4/8/97 

1120

-- 4/8/97 

1120

21.95 4/8/97 

1101

8.94

5/8/97 

1450

7.77 5/8/97 

1228

10.97 5/8/97 

1222

-- 5/8/97 

1222

22.00 5/8/97 

1456

8.95

6/3/97 

1418

7.76 6/3/97 

1230

11.00 6/3/97 

1106

-- 6/3/97 

1106

22.02 6/3/97 

1408

8.92

7/2/97 

1355

8.27 7/2/97 

1308

11.06 7/2/97 dry 7/2/97 

1300

22.00 7/2/97 

1325

9.30

8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1555

11.14 8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1200

--

8/28/97 

1200

-- 8/25/97 

0840

10.93 8/25/97 

1200

-- 8/25/97 

1200

-- 8/25/97 

1200

--

10/02/97 

1551

6.57 10/02/97 

1221

10.82 10/02/97 

1214

-- 10/02/97 

1214

19.45 10/02/97 

1533

9.08

11/20/97 

1005

5.86 11/17/97 

0800

10.71 11/17/97 

0900

-- 11/17/97 

0900

-- 11/20/97 

1106

8.75

12/17/97 

1508

5.76 12/17/97 

0920

10.60 12/17/97 

0927

-- 12/17/97 

0927

20.19 12/17/97 

1510

8.69

1/8/98 

1300

5.24 1/6/98 

0913

10.56 1/8/98 

1146

-- 1/8/98 

1146

20.28 1/7/98 

1513

8.63

2/12/98 

1436

4.79 2/12/98 

1035

10.51 2/12/98 

1042

-- 2/12/98 

1042

20.43 2/12/98 

1450

8.60

3/4/98 

1340

4.91 3/4/98 

1014

10.47 3/4/98 

1021

-- 3/4/98 

1021

20.48 3/4/98 

1347

8.55

4/14/98 

1200

-- 4/14/98 

0931

10.32 4/14/98 

1200

-- 4/14/98 

1200

-- 4/16/98 

1212

8.41

5/5/98 

0930

5.46 5/5/98 

1345

10.20 5/5/98 

1356

-- 5/5/98 

1356

20.66 5/5/98 

1007

8.52

6/11/98 

1618

6.19 6/11/98 

1300

10.20 6/11/98 

1307

-- 6/11/98 

1307

20.72 6/11/98 

1555

8.84

7/16/98 

1200

-- 7/14/98 

1121

10.53 7/14/98 

1228

-- 7/14/98 

1228

20.73 7/14/98 

1200

--

8/4/98 

1230

-- 8/4/98 

0952

10.48 8/4/98 

0956

-- 8/4/98 

0956

20.64 8/4/98 

1200

8.80

9/1/98 

1238

6.85 9/1/98 

0850

10.83 9/1/98 

0855

-- 9/1/98 

0855

20.58 9/1/98 

12.32

9.51

10/1/98 

1334

7.71 10/1/98 

1415

11.19 10/1/98 

1305

dry 10/1/98 

1419

20.69 10/1/98 

1200

--

Min 4.79 Min 10.20 Min 19.45 Min 8.39

Median 7.12 Median 10.86 Median 21.99 Median 8.87

Max 8.71 Max 12.07 Max 22.34 Max 10.11

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format month/day/year time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; Precip., 

monthly precipitation as measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured]

Well D16 Well D17 Well D18 Well D19 Well D20

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date

Water 

Level, ft. 

bmp

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp
APPENDIXES 81

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format month/day/year time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; Precip., 

monthly precipitation as measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured]

Well D21 Well D22 Well D23 Well D24 Well D25

Date

Water 

Level, 

ft. bmp

Date

Water 

Level, 

ft. bmp

Date

Water 

Level, 

ft. bmp

Precip., 

inches Date

Water 

Level, 

ft. bmp

Date

Water 

Level, 

ft. bmp

10/3/94 

1050

11.20 10/3/94 

1215

19.81 9/30/94 

0950

6.92 -- (Well D24 not 

installed until May 

1995)

(Well D25 not 

installed until May 

1995)

11/25/94 

1134

9.70 11/25/94 

1212

19.61 11/25/94 

1034

5.20 --

12/12/94 

1319

9.55 12/12/94 

1352

19.61 12/12/94 

1227

5.18 --

1/30/95 9.18 1/30/95 -- 1/30/95 4.99 --

3/20/95 9.08 3/20/95 -- 3/20/95 5.01 --

4/11/95 9.02 4/11/95 -- 4/11/95 4.81 --

5/1/95 8.86 5/1/95 -- 5/1/95 5.03 --

6/22/95 9.38 6/22/95 19.34 6/22/95 -- -- 6/22/95 -- 6/22/95 11.16

7/12/95 10.06 7/12/95 19.29 7/12/95 5.36 -- 7/12/95 -- 7/12/95 11.40

9/26/95 -- 9/25/95 -- 9/25/95 

1323

5.41 -- 9/28/95 

0800

22.42 9/22/95 

0825

12.12

10/30/95 -- 10/30/95 -- 10/30/95 

1408

5.03 -- 10/30/95 

0853

22.55 10/30/95 

0905

12.22

11/30/95 

1233

9.59 11/30/95 -- 11/30/95 

1119

4.95 -- 11/30/95 

0800

22.72 11/30/95 

0830

12.22

12/12/95 

1410

9.46 12/12/95 -- 12/15/95 

0905

5.06 -- 12/14/95 

1050

22.80 12/13/95 

0829

12.24

1/25/96 

1340

9.11 1/25/96 -- 1/25/96 

1414

4.59 -- 1/25/96 

1420

22.97 1/25/96 

1435

12.25

2/6/96 

1305

9.02 2/7/96 

1100

18.90 2/6/96 

1015

5.53 -- 2/6/96 

1210

23.02 2/6/96 

1130

12.27

2/21/96 

1136

9.05 2/21/96 -- 2/21/96 

1110

4.94 -- 2/21/96 

0920

23.08 2/21/96 

0805

12.29

3/7/96 

0907

9.07 3/7/96 -- 3/7/96 

1340

4.98 -- 3/6/96 

1350

23.12 3/5/96 

1138

12.25

4/4/96 

1145

8.99 4/4/96 

1105

18.95 4/4/96 

1400

4.96 -- 4/4/96 

1205

23.23 4/4/96 

1215

12.24

5/2/96 8.89 5/2/96 5/2/96 4.91 -- 5/2/96 23.35 5/2/96 12.05

6/12/96 

1126

9.56 6/12/96 

1435

18.90 6/12/96 

0830

4.82 3.61 6/14/96 

1100

23.52 6/11/96 

1118

11.9

7/3/96 

1320

10.60 7/3/96 -- 7/3/96 

1545

5.48 1.40 7/3/96 

1345

23.55 7/3/96 

1400

9.88

8/7/96 

1015

10.97 8/7/96 

1415

-- 8/7/96 

0855

5.64 1.01 8/7/96 

1442

22.84 8/7/96 

1404

7.64

8/21/96 

0820

11.12 8/23/96 

0805

18.80 8/21/96 

1223

5.83 -- 8/21/96 -- 8/20/96 --

9/11/96 

1445

11.39 9/11/96 

1140

18.69 9/11/96 

1505

5.17 2.06 9/11/96 -- 9/11/96 

1620

6.38

10/4/96 

0915

10.75 10/4/96 

0802

18.65 10/4/96 

0954

4.78 1.42 10/4/96 -- 10/4/96 

1215

6.52

11/6/96 

1435

10.06 11/6/96 

910

18.62 11/8/

1996 

1315

4.61 0.22 11/8/96 -- 11/8/96 

834

7.67
82 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

12/3/96 

1540

9.64 12/3/96 

1113

18.56 12/3/96 

1558

4.50 0.07 12/3/96 

1155

22.31 12/3/96 

1620

8.09

1/7/97 

1341

9.36 1/7/97 

1114

18.54 1/7/97 

1400

4.39 -- 1/7/97 

1147

22.43 1/7/97 

1207

8.57

2/4/97 

1423

9.19 2/4/97 

1204

18.56 2/4/97 

1322

4.51 0.02 2/4/97 

1243

22.54 2/4/97 

1256

8.85

3/6/97 

1303

9.06 3/6/97 

1224

18.55 3/6/97 

1333

4.50 0.19 3/6/97 

1455

22.65 3/6/97 

1440

9.03

4/8/97 

1106

9.03 4/7/97 

1030

18.55 4/8/97 

1045

4.60 0.12 4/8/97 

1246

22.80 4/7/97 

1330

9.23

5/8/97 

1507

9.06 5/8/97 

1209

18.57 5/8/97 

1527

4.72 0.53 5/8/97 

1340

22.93 5/8/97 

1405

9.43

6/2/97 -- 6/2/97 

0910

18.45 6/3/97 

1428

4.95 0.87 6/3/97 

1334

22.97 6/2/97 

1036

9.63

7/2/97 

1337

10.72 7/2/97 

1210

18.43 7/2/97 

1409

6.18 1.65 7/2/97 

1535

23.05 7/2/97 

1505

8.95

8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1520

5.29 4.26 8/7/97 

1630

23.18 8/7/97 

1615

9.22

8/25/97 

1200

-- 8/25/97 

1200

-- 8/26/97 

1249

4.99 0.90 8/25/97 

1020

23.18 8/27/97 

0818

7.72

10/02/97 

1540

10.75 10/2/97 

1200

-- 10/02/97 

1521

4.95 1.11 10/02/97 

1355

23.18 10/02/97 

1413

7.62

11/20/97 

1130

-- 11/17/97 

1000

-- 11/20/97 

0820

4.43 -- 11/17/97 

1020

23.19 11/19/97 

0927

8.12

12/17/97 

1519

9.00 12/17/97 

1000

-- 12/17/97 

1450

4.41 0.40 12/17/97 

1207

23.25 12/17/97 

1232

8.34

1/7/98 

1359

8.80 1/7/98 

1200

-- 1/8/98 

1218

4.29 -- 1/8/98 

1200

-- 1/8/98 

0812

8.39

2/12/98 

1459

8.73 2/12/98 

1200

-- 2/12/98 

1200

-- 2/12/98 

1120

23.41 2/12/98 

1137

8.6

3/4/98 

1353

8.71 3/4/98 

1200

-- 3/4/98 

1311

4.40 0.41 3/4/98 

1052

23.45 3/4/98 

1122

8.62

4/16/98 

1200

-- 4/16/98 

1233

18.13 4/16/98 

1008

4.53 -- 4/16/98 

1200

-- 4/16/98 

0732

8.7

5/5/98 

0945

8.70 5/5/98 

1507

18.04 5/5/98 

0841

4.60 -- 5/5/98 

1720

23.63 5/5/98 

1259

8.71

6/11/98 

1545

9.77 6/11/98 

1325

18.04 6/11/98 

1604

5.21 -- 6/11/98 

1650

23.71 6/11/98 

1458

9.1

7/14/98 

1350

11.09 7/15/98 

0844

18.18 7/16/98 

1443

5.87 0.65 7/16/98 

1200

-- 7/16/98 

0924

9.86

8/4/98 

1300

-- 8/4/98 

1007

18.19 8/4/98 

1149

4.09 4.30 8/4/98 

1038

23.70 8/4/98 

1052

8.19

9/1/98 

1200

-- 9/1/98 

0906

18.20 9/1/98 

1249

4.80 -- 9/1/98 

1104

22.60 9/1/98 

1142

7.83

10/1/98 

1348

11.05 10/1/98 

1200

-- 10/1/98 

1232

5.05 0.69 10/1/98 

1443

22.25 10/1/98 

1213

8.45

Min 8.70 Min 18.04 Min 4.09 Min 22.25 Min 6.38

Median 9.37 Median 18.57 Median 4.95 Median 23.05 Median 9.03

Max 11.39 Max 19.81 Max 6.92 Max 23.71 Max 12.29

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format month/day/year time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; Precip., 

monthly precipitation as measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured]

Well D21 Well D22 Well D23 Well D24 Well D25

Date

Water 

Level, 

ft. bmp

Date

Water 

Level, 

ft. bmp

Date

Water 

Level, 

ft. bmp

Precip., 

inches Date

Water 

Level, 

ft. bmp

Date

Water 

Level, 

ft. bmp
APPENDIXES 83

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993-98.—Continued

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format month/day/year time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; Precip., 

monthly precipitation as measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured]

Well D26 Well D27 Well D28 Well D29 Well D30

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp

6/22/95 -- 6/22/95 12.93 6/22/95 15.66 (Well D29 not installed 

until November 

1997)

6/22/95 --

7/12/95 -- 7/12/95 12.91 7/12/95 15.63 7/12/95 --

9/22/95 

1400

37.40 9/22/95 -- 9/25/95 

0830

15.47 9/20/95 

1300

6.95

10/30/95 

0929

36.81 10/30/95 -- 10/30/95 

0952

15.48 10/30/95 

1224

6.59

11/30/95 

0931

36.53 11/30/95 -- 11/30/95 

0959

15.49 11/30/95 

1521

9.39

12/14/95 

0835

36.70 12/13/95 

1135

-- 12/15/95 

0910

15.53 12/15/95 

1336

6.42

1/25/96 

1455

36.77 1/25/96 

1135

-- 1/25/96 

1525

15.49 1/25/96 

1055

6.25

2/6/96 

1145

37.21 2/7/96 

0950

12.82 2/7/96 

0915

15.53 2/6/96 

1415

6.19

2/21/96 

0851

37.07 2/21/96 2/21/96 

0942

15.57 2/22/96 

0856

6.27

3/6/96 

0820

37.23 3/7/96 3/5/96 

1330

15.55 3/5/96 

1305

6.21

4/4/96 

1230

37.18 4/4/96 

1310

12.83 4/4/96 

1245

15.58 4/4/96 

0930

6.22

5/2/96 36.91 5/2/96 -- 5/2/96 15.59 5/2/96 6.23

6/14/96 

0930

37.07 6/13/96 -- 6/11/96 

1258

15.57 6/12/96 

1110

6.40

7/3/96 -- 7/3/96 -- 7/3/96 

1420

15.34 7/3/96 

1100

6.27

8/7/96 

1415

-- 8/7/96 

1333

11.75 8/7/96 

1258

15.04 8/7/96 

1631

5.43

8/20/96 -- 8/20/96 

1129

11.47 8/20/96 

1248

14.99 8/21/96 

1015

5.41

9/11/96 -- 9/11/96 

1600

10.55 9/11/96 

1550

14.71 9/11/96 

1045

5.22

10/4/96 -- 10/4/96 

1153

10.94 10/4/96 

1130

14.74 10/3/96 

0938

5.19

11/7/96 -- 11/7/96 

1125

11.26 11/7/96 

824

14.84 11/7/96 

840

5.32

12/3/96 

1247

35.12 12/3/96 

1435

11.40 12/3/96 

1456

14.83 12/3/96 

1021

5.28

1/7/97 

1242

35.07 1/7/97 

1224

11.54 1/7/97 

1217

14.89 1/7/97 

1029

5.14

2/4/97 

1532

35.17 2/4/97 

1519

11.66 2/4/97 

1512

14.95 2/4/97 

1120

5.06

3/6/97 

1122

34.78 3/6/97 

1201

11.71 3/6/97 

1112

15.00 3/6/97 

1025

5.07

4/7/97 

1429

34.70 4/7/97 

1400

11.79 4/7/97 

1344

15.02 4/7/97 

1158

5.21
84 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

5/8/97 

1254

34.78 5/8/97 

1609

11.88 5/8/97 

1558

15.06 5/8/97 

1115

5.41

6/3/97 

1302

34.75 6/3/97 

0938

11.97 6/3/97 

0655

15.08 6/2/97 

1100

5.04

7/2/97 

1125

34.80 7/2/97 

1200

-- 7/2/97 

1145

15.05 7/2/97 

0930

5.22

8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1345

4.60

8/26/97 

0835

34.35 8/26/97 

1200

-- 8/26/97 

1200

-- 8/25/97 

1340

4.95

10/02/97 

1312

33.62 10/2/97 

1200

-- 10/02/97 

1439

14.68 10/02/97 

1031

5.24

11/19/97 

0900

-- 11/18/97 

0745

11.24 11/18/97 

0941

14.76 11/19/97 

1010

4.75

12/17/97 

1350

33.70 12/17/97 

1406

11.21 12/17/97 

1304

14.73 12/17/97 

0945

154.44 12/17/97 

1005

4.75

1/8/98 

1200

-- 1/7/98 

1045

11.16 1/7/98 

0840

14.71 1/8/98 

1430

154.10 1/6/98 

1357

4.71

2/12/98 

1231

33.81 2/12/98 

1303

11.20 2/12/98 

1215

14.71 2/12/98 

1100

154.54 2/12/98 

0912

4.70

3/4/98 

1222

33.81 3/4/98 

1156

11.23 3/4/98 

1134

14.73 3/4/98 

1036

154.22 3/4/98 

0808

4.60

4/16/98 

1200

4/13/98 

0919

11.19 4/13/98 

0710

14.71 4/14/98 

0740

154.29 4/13/98 

1125

4.59

5/5/98 

1156

33.96 5/5/98 

1134

11.17 5/5/98 

1224

14.68 5/5/98 

1536

154.21 5/5/98 

1638

4.91

6/11/98 

13.53

33.99 6/11/98 

1424

11.48 6/11/98 

1413

14.64 6/11/98 

1233

154.27 6/11/98 

0932

5.40

7/16/98 

1200

-- 7/15/98 

0951

11.88 7/15/98 

0803

14.57 7/14/98 

1127

154.39 7/15/98 

1318

6.30

8/4/98 

1115

34.19 8/4/98 

1245

11.01 8/4/98 

1251

14.32 8/4/98 

1023

154.65 8/4/98 

0858

5.07

9/1/98 

1130

34.03 9/1/98 

1157

11.22 9/1/98 

1142

14.20 9/1/98 

0922

154.45 9/1/98 

1005

5.40

10/1/98 

1200

-- 10/1/98 

1544

11.31 10/1/98 

1532

14.09 10/1/98 

1434

154.30 10/1/98 

1024

5.53

Min 33.62 Min 10.55 Min 14.09 Min 154.10 Min 4.59

Median 34.94 Median 11.44 Median 15.00 Median 154.30 Median 5.30

Max 37.40 Max 12.93 Max 15.66 Max 154.65 Max 9.39

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993-98.—Continued

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format month/day/year time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; Precip., 

monthly precipitation as measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured]

Well D26 Well D27 Well D28 Well D29 Well D30

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp
APPENDIXES 85

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells 

near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format

month/day/year time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; Precip., monthly precipitation as 

measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured]

 Well D31 Well D32 Well D33

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp

6/22/95 -- 6/22/95 -- 6/22/95 --

7/12/95 -- 7/12/95 -- 7/12/95 --

9/20/95 

1130

6.87 9/28/95 

1053

27.87 9/27/95 

0835

14.94

10/30/95 

1211

6.86 10/30/95 

1055

27.81 10/30/95 

1011

15.04

11/30/95 

1512

7.05 11/30/95 

1437

27.77 11/30/95 

1351

15.03

12/15/95 

1148

7.15 12/13/95 

0845

27.80 12/12/95 

1005

15.09

1/25/96 

1110

7.33 1/25/96 

1030

27.80 1/25/96 

0955

15.10

2/6/96 

1425

7.36 2/6/96 

1355

27.77 2/6/96 

1335

14.98

2/22/96 

0821

7.47 2/22/96 

0933

27.82 2/22/96 

0958

15.13

3/5/96 

1140

7.43 3/7/96 

0935

27.85 3/8/96 

0820

15.14

4/4/96 

0935

7.35 4/4/96 

1040

27.87 4/4/96 

1020

15.14

5/2/96 6.81 5/2/96 27.92 5/2/96 14.95

6/12/96 

1010

6.49 6/13/96 

1045

27.99 6/12/96 

1315

15.07

7/3/96 

1050

6.38 7/3/96 

1235

28.01 7/3/96 

1230

15.11

8/7/96 

1553

5.11 8/7/96 

1811

28.09 8/7/96 

1800

14.89

8/21/96 

1215

5.55 8/20/96 

1250

28.06 8/22/96 

1240

14.84

9/11/96 

1020

5.77 9/11/96 

1120

28.14 9/11/96 

1115

14.69

10/3/96 

0850

5.98 10/3/96 

1018

28.13 10/3/96 

1040

14.76

11/7/96 

955

6.26 11/7/96 -- 11/8/96 

1020

14.81

12/3/96 

1015

6.38 12/3/96 

1049

28.16 12/3/96 

1036

14.83

1/7/97 

953

6.51 1/7/97 

1055

28.15 1/7/97 

1045

14.84

2/4/97 

1108

6.46 2/4/97 

1143

28.17 2/4/97 

1132

14.81
86 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99

3/6/97 

946

6.35 3/6/97 

1058

28.18 3/6/97 

1039

14.81

4/7/97 

1152

6.32 4/8/97 

1156

28.20 4/8/97 

1215

14.79

5/8/97 

1044

6.53 5/8/97 

1147

28.24 5/8/97 

1133

14.77

6/3/97 

1023

6.33 6/2/97 

1342

28.20 6/2/97 

1330

14.68

7/2/97 

0825

6.41 7/2/97 

0955

28.27 7/2/97 

1030

14.66

8/7/97 

1330

6.22 8/7/97 

1200

-- 8/7/97 

1200

--

8/27/97 

1030

6.17 8/26/97 

1215

28.28 8/26/97 

1325

14.25

10/02/97 

1024

6.46 10/02/97 

1126

28.21 10/02/97 

1114

14.34

11/18/97 

1100

-- 11/18/97 

0815

28.01 11/18/97 

1135

14.34

12/17/97 

1056

6.09 12/17/97 

1139

27.96 12/17/97 

1152

14.32

1/6/98 

1200

-- 1/7/98 

1340

27.89 1/8/98 

1448

14.33

2/12/98 

0905

6.06 2/12/98 

0922

27.84 2/12/98 

0957

14.40

3/4/98 

0801

5.39 3/4/98 

0815

27.80 3/4/98 

0924

14.40

4/13/98 

1200

-- 4/13/98 

1200

-- 4/13/98 

1200

--

5/5/98 

1707

4.97 5/5/98 

1630

27.76 5/5/98 

1557

14.36

6/11/98 

0926

5.88 6/11/98 

0940

27.78 6/11/98 

1155

14.30

7/15/98 

1200

-- 7/15/98 

1108

27.79 7/15/98 

1450

14.47

8/4/98 

0900

-- 8/4/98 

0924

27.78 8/4/98 

0913

14.50

9/1/98 

1000

-- 9/1/98 

1052

27.78 9/1/98 

1020

14.58

10/1/98 

1159

6.25 10/1/

1998 

1200

-- 10/1/98 

1012

14.70

Min 4.97 Min 27.76 Min 14.25

Median 6.38 Median 27.94 Median 14.80

Max 7.47 Max 28.28 Max 15.14

Table II.3 Monthly water-level and precipitation data for monitoring wells 

near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–98.—Continued

[Date includes time of measurement if that information is available and is of the format

month/day/year time; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; Precip., monthly precipitation as 

measured in a plastic collection-type gage; --, not measured]

 Well D31 Well D32 Well D33

Date Water Level, 

ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp Date Water Level, ft. bmp
APPENDIXES 87

Table II.4. Textural data for core samples collected from D31 and D33 boreholes during drilling near

Deer Trail, Colorado, May 1995. 

[ft bls, feet below land surface; ft. bmp, feet below measuring point; %, percent; --, no data]

Sample 

location

(fig. 2)

Sample 

type1 Sample depth, ft bls Sample date Sample medium % Sand % Clay % Silt Sample texture3

D31 Core 0–0.17 5/4/95 soil 52 15 33 clay loam

D31 Core 0.17–1.7 5/4/95 soil 48 19 33 loamy 

sand

D31 Core 1.7–2.4 5/4/95 soil 48 17 35 clay loam 

+ sand

D31 Core 5.0–6.0 5/4/95 alluvium 49 21 30 clay loam

D31 Core 6.0–7.0 5/4/95 alluvium 49 12 39 clay loam

D31 Core 8.0–9.0 5/4/95 alluvium 52 12 36 clay loam

D31 Core 9.0–11.7 5/4/95 alluvium 60 18 22 clay-rich 

silty 

sand

D31 Core 11.7–12 5/4/95 alluvium 60 16 24 silty sand

D33 Core 0–0.33 5/5/95 soil -- -- -- sandy 

loam

D33 Core 0.75–2.25 5/5/95 soil -- -- -- loamy 

sand

D33 Core 2.25–3.0 5/5/95 soil -- -- -- loamy 

sand

D33 Core 4.5–5.0 5/5/95 alluvium -- -- -- sandy 

loam

D33 Core 5.0–5.5 5/5/95 alluvium -- -- -- clayey 

sand

D33 Core 9.0–12.0 5/5/95 alluvium -- -- -- loamy 

sand 

1 Core obtained from split-spoon auger during drilling of the borehole for the monitoring well. 2 Textural analysis from hydrometer data provided by James Tindall, U.S.Geological Survey

Unsaturated Zone Field Studies. 3 From geologist's description of core.
88 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99 Table II.5. Dissolved-gas data and calculated information for selected monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, November 1998. [Dissolved-gas sampling methods and calculations are described in Busenberg and others (1999), Heaton (1981), Heaton and Vogel (1981), Heaton and others (1983), Plummer and others (2001), Stute and Schlosser (1999), Stute and others (1992), and Wilson and McNeill (1997); Temp., temperature in degrees Celsius; mg/L, milligrams per liter; N2, nitrogen; Ar, argon; O2, oxygen; CO2, carbon dioxide; CH4, methane; alt, altitude in feet above NGVD 29; mm Hg, millimeters of mercury; BP, barometric pressure; Ex Air, excess air; cc STP/L, cubic centimeters of gas at standard temperature and pressure per liter] Sample name and date Sample field temp Dissolved-gas data Calculation variables Calculated information mg/L

N2

mg/L

Ar

mg/L

O2

mg/L

CO2

mg/L

CH4

Estimated

mg/L

Excess N2

Estimated

recharge

alt

mm Hg

BP

Recharge

Temp

Ex Air

cc STP/L

D5 11/19/98 12 16.18 0.55 0.05 21.70 0 2 5,217 627.49 11.17 0.05D5 11/19/98 12 16.36 0.56 0.05 21.41 0 2 5,217 627.49 11.09 0.22D6 11/24/98 12.9 17.71 0.52 0.04 61.40 0 3 5,217 627.49 15.51 1.35D6 11/24/98 12.9 17.14 0.51 0.04 60.95 0 3 5,217 627.49 15.61 0.80D9 11/17/98 16.5 14.33 0.54 3.54 45.71 0 0 5,225 627.31 11.98 -0.05D10 11/19/98 13.2 15.88 0.56 0.04 41.10 0 1 5,220 627.43 11.45 0.45D13 11/18/98 11.9 20.60 0.56 0.81 27.41 0 6 5,264 626.41 10.98 0.45D14 11/24/98 12.4 16.65 0.55 0.05 15.91 0 2 5,264 626.41 12.31 0.81D17 11/18/98 14.3 16.97 0.56 0.05 9.49 0 2 5,264 626.41 10.97 0.31D17 11/18/98 14.3 17.09 0.56 0.06 9.20 0 2 5,264 626.41 10.81 0.38D24 11/17/98 12.8 14.61 0.54 4.01 109.91 0 0 5,200 627.89 12.60 0.41D24 11/17/98 12.8 14.50 0.54 3.44 105.56 0 0 5,200 627.89 13.00 0.42D25 11/18/98 13 21.70 0.61 0.57 61.63 0.05 4 5,160 628.81 9.89 2.70
APPENDIXES 89

Table II.6. Chlorofluorocarbon data and calculated information for selected monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, November 1998.[Recharge temperature and elevation calculated from dissolved-gas information in table II.5; sampling methods and calculations explained in Busenberg and Plummer (1992), Plummer and Friedman (1999), 

Plummer and Busenberg (1999), and Plummer and others (2001); No., number; Temp., temperature; Alt, altitude in feet above NGVD 29; BP, barometric pressure; oC, degrees Celsius; mm, millimeters of 

mercury; pM/kg, picomoles per kilogram; pg/kg, picogram per kilogram, TK, temperature in Kelvin; CFC, chlorofluorocarbon; F-11, chlorofluorocarbon 11; F-12, chlorofluorocarbon 12; F-113, chlorofluorocarbon 113; Contam., contaminated; <, less than]

 Sample 

site

(fig. 2)

Vial 

no. 

 Sampling

date

Estimated

recharge Concentration in solution Calculated CFC recharge dates Mole ratio

Temp.

(oC)

Alt

(feet)

BP

(mm)

pM/kg

CFC-11

pM/kg

CFC-12

pM/kg

CFC-113

pg/kg

CFC-11

pg/kg

CFC-12

pg/kg

CFC-113 T K CFC-11 CFC-12 CFC-113 F-11/F-12 F-113/F-12

D3 2 11/17/98 13.0 5,200 628 1.028 0.621 1.162 141.2 75.1 217.8 286.15 1971 1972 Contam. 1.656 1.872D3 4 11/17/98 15.0 5,200 628 1.040 0.626 1.224 142.8 75.7 229.3 288.15 1972 1972.5 Contam. 1.660 1.954D3 5 11/17/98 10.0 5,151 629 1.078 0.644 1.161 148.1 77.9 217.5 283.15 1970 1971 Contam. 1.675 1.803D5 1 11/19/98 11.2 5,217 627 0.963 1.123 0.090 132.2 135.7 16.9 284.35 1970 1977 1978 0.858 0.080D5 2 11/19/98 11.1 5,180 628 0.996 1.116 0.068 136.8 135.0 12.7 284.25 1970 1977 1976 0.892 0.061D5 3 11/19/98 11.2 5,217 627 0.907 1.078 0.060 124.6 130.3 11.2 284.35 1969.5 1976.5 1975 0.842 0.056D6 2 11/24/98 15.6 5,217 627 0.034 0.179 0.042 4.7 21.7 7.9 288.75 1954 1963 1974.5 0.192 0.237D6 4 11/24/98 15.5 5,200 628 0.048 0.175 0.071 6.5 21.2 13.4 288.65 1955 1963 1978 0.271 0.407D6 5 11/24/98 15.5 5,200 628 0.154 0.357 0.109 21.2 43.2 20.5 288.65 1960.5 1968 1981.5 0.432 0.306D9 3 11/17/98 12.0 5,163 629 3.869 2.198 1.287 531.5 265.8 241.2 285.15 1988 1996.5 Contam. 1.760 0.586D9 5 11/17/98 12.0 5,163 629 3.910 2.180 6.579 537.0 263.6 1,232.7 285.15 1988 1996 Contam. 1.793 3.018D10 2 11/19/98 11.5 5,220 627 2.068 1.562 0.197 284.0 188.8 36.9 284.65 1976 1984 1984.5 1.324 0.126D10 4 11/19/98 11.5 5,197 628 2.106 1.649 0.193 289.2 199.4 36.2 284.65 1976 1985.5 1984 1.277 0.117D10 5 11/19/98 11.5 5,220 627 1.971 1.530 0.212 270.8 185.0 39.7 284.65 1975.5 1983.5 1985 1.289 0.138D13 2 11/18/98 11.0 5,264 626 0.603 0.704 0.072 82.8 85.1 13.4 284.15 1967 1972 1976.5 0.856 0.102D13 4 11/18/98 11.0 5,200 628 0.594 0.684 0.070 81.7 82.8 13.1 284.15 1966.5 1972 1976 0.869 0.102D13 5 11/18/98 11.0 5,240 627 0.640 0.713 0.071 87.9 86.2 13.3 284.15 1967 1972 1976 0.897 0.100D14 2 11/24/98 12.3 5,264 626 0.238 0.790 0.025 32.8 95.5 4.6 285.45 1962 1973.5 1969 0.302 0.031D14 4 11/24/98 12.3 5,264 626 0.240 0.770 0.027 33.0 93.1 5.1 285.45 1962 1973.5 1970 0.312 0.036D14 5 11/24/98 12.3 5,271 626 0.235 0.786 0.024 32.3 95.0 4.5 285.45 1962 1973.5 1969 0.299 0.031D17 2 11/18/98 10.8 5,264 626 0.395 0.329 0.061 54.2 39.8 11.5 283.95 1964 1966 1975 1.199 0.186D17 4 11/18/98 11.0 5,264 626 0.447 0.338 0.035 61.4 40.9 6.5 284.15 1965 1966 1971 1.320 0.103D17 5 11/18/98 11.0 5,276 626 0.491 0.387 0.035 67.4 46.8 6.6 284.15 1965.5 1967 1971 1.268 0.092
90 Hydrogeology of a Biosolids-Application Site near Deer Trail, Colorado, 1993–99 D24 2 11/17/98 13.0 5,200 628 2.236 1.726 0.869 307.2 208.7 162.8 286.15 1978 1987.5 Contam. 1.296 0.503 D24 3 11/17/98 12.6 5,200 628 2.741 1.949 1.050 376.4 235.6 196.7 285.75 1981.5 1990.5 Contam. 1.406 0.539 D24 5 11/17/98 13.0 5,220 627 2.848 2.032 0.929 391.3 245.7 174.1 286.15 1983 1994 Contam. 1.402 0.457 D25 2 11/18/98 7.8 5,160 629 0.022 0.115 0.000 3.0 13.9 0.0 280.95 1951.5 1957 <1955 0.192 0 D25 3 11/18/98 7.8 5,200 628 0.021 0.126 0.000 2.9 15.2 0.0 280.95 1951.5 1957.5 <1955 0.170 0 D25 4 11/18/98 7.8 5,200 628 0.021 1.136 0.000 2.9 137.4 0.0 280.95 1951.5 1975 <1955 0.019 0 D25 5 11/18/98 9.9 5,200 628 0.014 0.130 0.000 2.0 15.7 0.0 283.05 1950.5 1958.5 <1955 0.111 0 Table II.6. Chlorofluorocarbon data and calculated information for selected monitoring wells near Deer Trail, Colorado, November 1998.—Continued [Recharge temperature and elevation calculated from dissolved-gas information in table II.5; sampling methods and calculations explained in Busenberg and Plummer (1992), Plummer and Friedman (1999), Plummer and Busenberg (1999), and Plummer and others (2001); No., number; Temp., temperature; Alt, altitude in feet above NGVD 29; BP, barometric pressure; oC, degrees Celsius; mm, millimeters of mercury; pM/kg, picomoles per kilogram; pg/kg, picogram per kilogram, TK, temperature in Kelvin; CFC, chlorofluorocarbon; F-11, chlorofluorocarbon 11; F-12, chlorofluorocarbon 12; F-113, chloro- fluorocarbon 113; Contam., contaminated; <, less than] Sample site (fig. 2) Vial no. Sampling date Estimated recharge Concentration in solution Calculated CFC recharge dates Mole ratio Temp.

(

oC)

Alt

(feet)

BP

(mm)

pM/kg

CFC-11

pM/kg

CFC-12

pM/kg

CFC-113

pg/kg

CFC-11

pg/kg

CFC-12

pg/kg

CFC-113 T K CFC-11 CFC-12 CFC-113 F-11/F-12 F-113/F-12